A SERIOUS CHARGE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9047, 13 March 1908, Page 5

A SERIOUS CHARGE.

SEQUEL TO AN OLD GRIEVANCE.

BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION. PALMERSTON N., March 12. At Mangaweka Police Court on Monday, C. *itton, a settler, was charged with assaulting William Roache, a Kawtau settler, with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The evidence of several settlers was to the effect that Fitton met Roache at the saleyards at Mangaweka on February 29th, and attacked him with a heavy hunting crop. He struck him three blows over the head, breaking the handle of the whip. Three severe wound 3 on the head were inflicted before the men were separated. Roache gave information to the police, and Fitton was arrested. On being searched a revolver and cartridges were found on him, also a letter addressed to Roache calling him a dirty scoundrel, and stating that if he did not publish an enclosed apology by March 15th Fitton would again interview him, but would "not bring a whip, only a revolver." The apology expressed regret that Roache had made statements affecting Fitton's character. Fitton told the police that Roache had annoyed him for three years by writing and posting anonymous post-cards. Accused made no statement to the court, and was committed for trial at Palmerston Supreme Court, bail being allowed.