An Assanlt Case.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 256, 5 February 1889, Page 2

An Assanlt Case.

Ar the Folice Court yesterday morning (before Mr J, Booth, R.M.) Hone te Ruru, alias Te Rua.Takahirangl, was charged with assaulting Thomas Moody, Thomas Moody deposed that ha rented a house on the Waikanae fromG, Worgan, On Saturday night the prisoner, in company with another native, entered hie room, Tie immediately told them to clear out.; and as they did not do so he lit a candle and was attempting to put on his trousers whan the prisoner struck him several blows on the bead, at the tame time saying " You are a sour old b—. ” He (coinplainant) then went toitown and in. formed Constable Hansen of thp assault, and ihe constable accompanied hint back to the house. When they returned the Maoris were lying asleep on tha floor in Worgau's room. The constable than arrested Ruru, During last week accused was iu charge of complainant’s room and slept in the house, By accused: Accused did not say that ha name for his blankets, but persisted in comini in. Witness never made uio of any bac language; in foot hs wae inoapabla of doirtg so. Did not strike accused.

Constable Hansen deposed .that about one o’clock on Sunday morning ha fqund Moody lying on the Masonic hotel doorstep with little clothing on, except his trousers. When asked what was the matter, Moody replied that he had been knocked down and severely injured by a Maori, and complained of great pains in his chest and back. Witness then accompanied Moody to the house and found the natives in Worgante room. Moody said he was afraid of the assault being repeated, so witness arrested the accused.

G. B. Worgan gave evidence that he lived in a room adjoining Moody's. On Saturday night he heard high words and scuffling. Moody cried out "murder,” and was apparently angry about something. Witness supposed informant did not like being disturbed in the night.

The Maori who was in company with Ruru was put in the box, and stated that he and Ruru went to Moody’s bouse to get the latter’s blankets, When they went inside Moody got very angry and struck the prisoner. Buru then put hi? hand on Moody and told him to go away, [Mr Booth then cautioned the witness against repeating such a statement, and said it was most improbable that a man would go for the police for such a trivial offence, and especially with only his trousers on.] Witness continued: There were no blows (truck. Moody was standing at the door when Burn pushed him oqt, but witness did not sea him fall. Witness and Ruru bad been drinking a little, but were not drunk. His Worship held the assault was proved, and fined the accused £2, with costs 17s, or in default 14 days’ imprisonment. The fine was paid.