Thursday, Oct. 3.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 140, 13 October 1870, Page 7

Thursday, Oct. 3.

(Before W. L. Simpson, Esq., R.M.)

James Patterson was charged on the information of E. W. Legge, Manuka Creek, with having threatened to burn his property (flax mill) at Manuka Creek. Mr. Copland appeared for Mr Legge. The charge haviug been read to accused, he replied that he never used any threatening language.

E. W. Legge, being sworn, deposed that he knew the prisoner. He was in his employ for four and a half days, working at the mill. On yesterday morning he was the worse of liquoi\ He was asleep. I put him out. He asked me if I was to settle with lima. I answered that I would, and did so. He was paid 19s. — something more than was owing to him. He was engagpd at the rate of 255. per week. He was not satisfied with the amount, and said that if I did not give him more he would burn the premises. James Stewart was present. He was asked to repeat his threats, on which he asked me if I was going to pay him any mere money. I answei*ed in the negative. He then said that he would do what he said he would do, and afterwards made use of more threatening language. He was taken into my employ on the faith of his being a sober man. lam afraid that he will execute his threat. Nothing can be easier than to set fire to my premises from the quantity of tow and dust about. Constable Daly was passing at the time. I called him in.

James Stewart, being sworn, deposed to his having seen the accused yesterday the worse of liquor. He heard accused say that he would do what he had threatened to do. He was standing close by. Legge called him in to witness. Accused distinctly said that if he (Legge) did not pay the money he would put his threat into execution.

Constable Daly, being sworn, deposed to his having been called by Mr. Legge when passing his flax mill. He told him that accused was using threatening language to him. He was afraid. I took accused in charge at this instance, that he (Legge) would have to go to Waitahuna to sign the charge, anclafterwards go to Lawrence to substantiate same. On the way, accused said, "By J — s, I will do you a private injury for this trip." I have seen him before. I have seen him drunk.

The accused made a statement to the affect that he was engaged by Mr. Legge at 245. per week to cut flax, and if he worked in the mill he was to be allowed 30s. the same as the other hands. He had been cutting flax only two hours, the rest of the time in the mill. More money was due him than paid. Mr. Legge also told him that if he was to be found drunk he would be discharged. He was the worse of liquor on Monday In answer to the Bench he said that he was a native of Dublin. He came out in the ship E. P. Bouverie to Dunedin. He ran away from the ship there.

The Bench remarked that the fact of his having made use of the threats was clearly proven. Such language cannot be lolsiufcecl ii this country. As the population L not numerous, we must watch each other closely. You have shown me no reason why you should not be bound over to keep the peace. A man who threatens the same as you have done ought not to have the same privileges or the same liberty as others. You must be a daring and a regardless young man when you could not, even while in custody, control your tongue. Therefore the judgment of the Court is that you find two sureties in £50 each, yourself in £100, or six months in gaol with hard labour.