A DESPERATE QUARREL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3390, 4 December 1911, Page 5

A DESPERATE QUARREL.

SERIOUS ASSAULT IN A BOARD-ING-HOUSE.

MAN BEATEN TO INSENSIBILITY.

ALL OVER A FEW SHILLINGS.

THE AGGRESSOR TAKEN INTO CUSTODY.

A serious altercation took place in a large boarding-house at Whataupoko at 6.30 o’clock on Saturday night, which led to most serious consequences.

It appears that two men, named Thomas Fitzgerald and William Brown, who are engaged on the sewerage works, and both of whom arrived from Christchurch on the 22nd of last month, had a dispute over a money’transaction, the amount in dispute, it is understood, amounting to only a few shillings. After tea Fitzgerald wrote a letter, and immediately afterwards Brown approached him and entered into an angry dispute over, it is said, the money matters. The dispute became so heated and noisy that it was suggested the two should go out on to the lawn and settle their differences there. .

Fitzgerald declined to fight, stating that Brown could' easily beat him, and that he had no desire to resort to fisticuffs.

Fitzgerald then went upstairs, and av&s folloAved by Brown-. The dispute was continued on the second floor, and Brown is said to have savagely attacked Fitzgerald, and forced him back on a bed in one of tlie rooms. Wliat really happened is not quite clear, but the noise of the altercation brought people in the house to the vicinity, and Fitzgerald Anas found in a badly battered condition, and in a semi-conscious state. The man’s condition Avas so serious that medical attention avus deemed necessary, and Dr. A. P. Coker Avas called in.

After examining the injured man, whose spine Avas injured, the doctor, at 8 o’clock, ordered his removal to the Hospital, whither ho was conveyed in t-lie ambulance.

Fitzgerald’s condition had somewhat improved yesterday morning, but later* on he again relapsed into a comatose state.

The matter was not reported to the police until 10.30 a,on. yesterday morning, Avhen Sergeant Hutton and Detective Alitehell immediately set out to make investigations. They had some difficulty in tracing Brown, who had. been ordered to leave the boarding house, but Averc eventually on his track at 1 o’clock, and located him in a private boarding house in Ormond Read. The police officers arrested Brown, and charged him Avith hairing assaulted Fitzgerald, thereby causing him actual bodily harm. BroAvn Avas then taken to the police station and lodged in the cells.

S’ergt. Hutton A'isited the Hospital at 3.30 yesterday afternoon, and found that Fitzgerald Avas in much the same condition.

From inquiries made late last night it Aims found that there was little change in the injured man’s condition. Brown Avill be brought before the Magistrate’s Court this morning to ans Aver a charge of assault, when it is understood a remand will be asked for.