ELTHAM.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 July 1918, Page 3

ELTHAM.

ASSAULTING A FARMER. (From Our Own Correspondent.) ElUiani, duly 10. '"'l'llis man has been through Gallipoli and the Soniine, and at Fieri was 011 c of tight survivors,." remarked Mr.. J. L. Weir at the Eltham Court this morning, when defending John Angus McDonald, charged with assaulting George Haigh, an elderly farmer, residing at Ngacre. ' Messrs J. W Stubbs and 0. W. Flyger, J.sP., occupied the bench. Constable Townsend conducted the prosecution, McDonald entering a plea of not guilty. George Ilaigli, aged 71, said he was farming at C'heal Road, and 'had known accused for many years. Up to a few months back McDonald had been working for him, but latterly was with Mr. Borchart, a neighbor. Last, Sunday accused came to witness' house at 3 p.m., being the worse for drink, and said he wished to have a word with witness.' McDonald accused witness of saying things about liim. Denied this and ordered him out. of the house. Accused used very bad language and then struck witness. Gave him no cause to act as ho did. Witness picked up a shovel and used this to defend himself, but denied that he struck McDonald. To Mr. Weir: He admitted McDonald was a good man when sober, but when drunk he behaved like a madman. Accused had come to his farm on five Sundays and given a hand with farm work. Denied that he picked up the tongs, and he only used the slioyel as a shield to protect hmiself. Could not say how the lump on accused's head was caused. His wife came in and pushed McDonald away and then left the room. Denied that he had a vile temper. Mrs. Ilaigli, wife of the previous witness, corroborated her husband's evidence.

George Haigli, !1 years, stated that he saw through a window accused striking j his dad. John Borchart, farmer, Ngaere, said that McDonald, with witness and his son Roy, went to Stratford. When McDonald returned be was three parts full. Next morning he said he was going to see Haigli and have a row. Tried to prevent him going, but he was determined. McDonald went over, and some time afterwards the boy Haigh came back and said McDonald was killing his dad. He left with his son Roy, the latter getting there first. When witness arrived. Haigh was sitting at the fireside, bleeding profusely. McDonald was standing at the end of the table. Witness got McDonald to return to his house and then told him to pack up and leave. McDonald but thinking he might return, witness followed, and McDonald did drop his swag and go back, but witness again persuaded him to go away. Roy Borchart, son of the last witness, also gave evidence. Accused said he was annoyed at- some yarns being stated against him. He went, to Haigli on Sunday, and when lie went into the room Haigh went to the fireplace and, seizing tho tongs in both hands, struck him on the head and also bit, his hand. Took tho tongs away and Haigh then picked lip the shovel. Denied I striking him, only using his open hand to push him away. Accounted for Haigh'3 injuries by bis striking the fireplace. Had known him for some years and found him to bo quick-tempered. Regarding the statement he had made, "that lie would meet Mrs. Haigh again when the roses were in bloom and that, he would fix her," he had said so .under great excitement and had 110 intention of doing her any harm. Had been returned from the front twelve months. Was discharged for shell shock and concussion, and had only done seven days' C.B. in camp. Admitted that in Wanganui he had had trouble with other bushmen over a Chinaman and had been fined for drunkenness. The Bench held that the assault had been committed and fined accused ,C 5. Mr. Borchart said lie would go surety for the amount if accused would consent to a prohibition order. McDonald declined this and wa9 given fourteen days to pay the fine.