ALLEGED ASSAULT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2392, 6 January 1909, Page 4

ALLEGED ASSAULT.

FRACAS IN A HOTEL

What is considered to be one of the worst and most violent cases of assault which lias taken place in Gisborne for some time occurred iu the Turangauui Hotel yesterday afternoon about 5 o'clock. A number of bookmakers and their clerks were in the hotel, and it is understood that some of them endeavored to enter into an illegal game with a country visitor who was also in the hotel. ’ The country man aequiesced in the proposal at first, but almost immediately he appeared to see the drift of the proceedings, and announced his intention of withdrawing: This apparently did not plea -e his companions of the moment, as they proceeded to make things deohledly unpleasant for him. It is alleged that he was savagely .attacked by a number of the mc-n and the surroundings were considerably damaged by the riotous conduct. A general melee ensued, the country visitor defending himself valiantly. Bottles were thrown,'glasses, crockery, and vases were smashed tables and chairs were overturned, and Mrs. Wallace, the licensee was knocked over in the scrimmage. The police were notified of the occurrence, and Constables Qandy and Pratt went down to the hotel, where they arrested two men. Later on. Sergeant Hutton and Detective Rawle also went to the scene, and as a result three more arrests were affected. The five men were lodged in the police, cells, and will be brought up at the Police . Court this morning. The victim of the assault was rather badly cut and bruised, but his injuries are not regarded as serious.