R.M. COURT.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3576, 1 August 1890, Page 2

R.M. COURT.

MASTERTM-FRIDAY,

(Before His Worship the Mayor an MrW.H.Beetham,J.P.'6) SURETIES m THE i'EACE, Mrs Gordon, of the Argyle boart ing-house, applied for ah order ogaini Charles Steadman for sureties to koe the peace.. Mr Pownall appeared for plainti and Mr Beard for defendant,

Mr Pownall briefly stated the case, alleging that a threatening letter bad been written by defendant to Mrs Gordon on July 12th, from the receipt of which plaintiff was afraid thai she would sustain harm to body or pnporty. Nelly Gordon, sworn, stated that on several occasions she had reoeived letters from defendant. She had kept one, and that produced was ill Bteadnian'sband-wrili.ig. Had ear in consequence of the letter that Mr Bteadman would do some harm, to herself or hor property. Defendant had a strong temper, and she therefore wished him to be bound over to keep the peace. Had no ill-will against defendant, and did not bring up the case out of malioe, By Mr Beard; 1 do not think that Steadman would hit me, but 'lam afraid he would injure my business. He might also infure my cbaraoter. Have not spoken to Steadman since receiving the letters. Have never told defendant I did not with to proceed with tho case. Will swear Ihave not spoken to 3teadinau, I wrots and asked Steadman to come and soo me, but I spoke to him through Mr Deadman. I have never tried to stop these proceedings, and have never told Steadman I

wished to do so as I was afraid Wright would crush me. The note produced is the one I wrote. Invited the defendant to come and see me, although I was afraid he would do mo an

injury. By Mr Pownall: I was afraid from the letter that defendant might insult me in some way, I really did uot know what he might do.. lam of an exoited disposition, and I had no one to writs to when I was in fipnoial troubles. I do not bring this action out ot malice.

To the Bench: Mr Steadman. never owed me any money. Mr Beard 11 believe Mr Steadman was instrumental iu getting the house you are living in? Plaintiff: Yes,he tried to. Mr Beard; At your request, f hintiff; I asked him.

Mr Beard said that he had heard of a good many frivolous cases, but Urn one took the palm, There was actually no threat whatover, Mr Steadman had felt aggrieved at the action of Mrs Gordon aud said he would pay her •out if he had to wait for years, This was in conseijuenoe of his not having received from Mrs Gordon what he was entitled to for having found her the property. Mrs Gordon had no fear whatever of sustaining bodily harm. There was absolutely nothing in the case.

Mr Pownall pointed out that any person could be bound over to keep the peaco whoissiied offensive writing If the case was dismissed the plaintiff would be liable to receive further letters of a worse description. Any person would be in fear from the threat contained in the letter, Any raann who was cowardly enough to make such a threat to a defenceless woman might at any time burn down a house or otherwise injury property. It was the duty of the Court to protect the plaintiff from the annoy auoeaad ttoatsofdofeudaiit H e

oould, not see anything frivolous in the application.?; '■■; f;--f'%; After a sbarh' deliberation, - tlie Bench that consider this; a 'serious matter/ami would dismiss the case,, each-party to pay their own costs." ' : ':' :