A Disgraceful Affair.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 202, 29 September 1888, Page 3

A Disgraceful Affair.

At the Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning, before Mr Booth, R.M., the case of the Turanganui Lodge U A.O.D. v. G. Searle, claim £3 6s for tinea and subscriptions due, was heard being speedy judgment summons. The defendant did not appear until an hour after the opening of the Court, and on stepping into the box the Bench reprimanded him for not appearing at the proper time, remarking that he had made himself liable to bi imprisoned for three months for contempt of Court. The defendant should consider himielf fortunate to be let off.* The defendant said the matter had been settled by hia brother, and he did not think it nscessary to appear. Mr Adeane, who appeared for the Druids, said they did not wish to press the charge. He had received an order from the brother, written in pencil, but that was perfectly useleas. The defendant had taken his ticket for Australia and would leave that day. They did not wish to treat him harshly so long as the money was forthcoming. The Bench said the case was a shocking one. Searle had also tried to evade the summons being served. It the money was not paid at once a heavy penalty would be inflicted. In reply to Mr Murray, Searle said he was at home when the bailiff went to serve the summons. The Bench ordered the amount to be paid forthwith, or in default twenty-eight days’ imprisonment, Searle then wanted to leavo the Court to obtain the money, but the Magistrate said it would not be safe to allow him to do so after the manner in which he had been carrying on. The defendant was afterwards allowed to go and obtain the money, accompanied by Mr Murray, bailiff, and Mr Adeane, and on coming out of the Courthouse door William Searle rushed up, exclaiming, “ It’s a b trick. I gave my word that I would find the money, and it was a b dirty trick to do. He then threw off his hat and rushed at Mr Murray, who threw him down and kept him on the ground until be had cooled a little, Searle exclaiming all the while that he would take the twenty-eight days instead of his brother. Immediately he was released Searle jumped on his horse and rode off. An information will probably be laid against him for assaulting Mr Murray and using abusive language. The amount of the claim was subsequently paid by the defendant.