SCENE IN COURT.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 881, 4 May 1903, Page 3

SCENE IN COURT.

A stalwart, follow, whoso wife was suing hiru for maintenance at tbo Christchurch Magistrate’s Court, protested, with dramatic indignation, against the perversity ho had sufi'ored from his wife, and past injustice, in tho form of a week’s imprisonment, meted out to him by the Magistrate. Tho woman stated that her husband had threatened her lifo, and she was penniless. Tho man strove to show that he could not afford to give her anything. “ How much have you got owing to you ? ” asked the Magistrate. “ .-Gl odd,” the man confessed, “How much have you got in your pockets ? ” A handful of silver was produced, and, by tho Magistrate’s direction, given to the Court orderly to count. It totalled 10s 6d. “ Now give it to the woman,” said his Worship. Tho money was paid over, and the accused was sent to prison for two months.

At once his rage became ungovernable,

“ Two months ? ” he queried. Tho sentence wus repeated. “ Well, your Worship,” was the reply, I’ll tell you straight, I’ll never pay her any more when I como out. You’re doomed! you’re doomed 1 you’re doomed ! ” the accused shrieked, turning in tho direction of his wifo.

Tho Court orderly seized him, but the man would not bo controlled, and for several seconds tho two rolled on the floor together, his Worship calling upon someone to assist the orderly. The accused was forced against the door of one of tho side rooms, aud jammed into a corner by the orderly, while others slipped his legs up. Shrieking and protesting, “ I’m guiltless 1 I’m guiltloss 1 I’m guiltless! ” he was then forced into the waiting room, where his rage somewhat subsided. At intervals, however, he would break out into wild shrieks or moans, until assistance had been telephoned for, and ho was removed to the police cells. Mr Beetham had intended to incroase tho penalty to six months, for using threatening language, but as this would have necessitated btinging the accused back into Court, and us tho opinion grew that tho accused was probably drunk, his Worship decided not to.