RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3515, 1 April 1880, Page 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

THIS DAY. (Before H. Kenrick, Esq., 8.M.) ASSAULT. JRiri, a native, was charged with assaulting Eli 0. Morgan by striking kirn with his clenched fist, on the Bth ult. Mr Miller appeared for defendant, who pleaded not guilty. Mr F. A. Puckey was sworn to act ai interpreter. E. C. .Morgan deposed that ho was a bootmaker residing in Shortland. On the afternoon of the Bth ultimo, the defendant and another native came into his shop. In a few minutes the other natire left leaving J&iri, who appeared to be under the influence of liquor. Riri wanted to shake hands with witness, but he refused, whereupon defendant used some bad language. Witness threatened to send for the police, when defendant struck him on the face. Eiri was a very violent character, having once bitten a man's thumb off. By Mr Miller—Defendant was quiet I enough when sober, iiiri did not ask him to repair his boots. He did not push defendant out of the shop, nor kick him. He sent for the constable because he would not leave the shop. Constable Stapleton deposed to being summoned by Mr Morgan. He saw accused, who was in an excited state. Did not remember if Mr Morgan said h»

had been assaulted. Saw he had a swel ling on his face.

The defendant deposed'that he went to Morgan's to get his boots mended. In consequence of a remark he made to a Maori who was trying on a pair of boots, Morgan told him to clear out and called him a " — black man " and said he would cut "his neck. Morgan kicked him. He did not strike Morgan. When Constable Staplelon came up, defendant went away.

Tame Brown, Potatau, and Kauperie gave corroborative evidence. A. Sherlock gave evidence corroborative to plaintiff, and his Worship said the evidence of the natives was evidently concocted, and he would fine defendant £3 and costs.