HIGH SPIRITS.

TIRADE ON A TRAM.

An Apology Tendered and Accepted.

On Tuesday last, at the Flemington Court, Constable S. A. McGuffy, stationed at Russell-street, summoned Thomas Ralston, a returned soldier, for using insulting words. Mr. C. J. McFarlane appeared for the defendant, who admitted the charge.

McGuffy said that on the 7th inst. he was travelling on an electric tram on the Maribyrnong River line, about 6.30 p.m. Witness was in uniform, and noticed defendant, who was wearing a returned soldier's badge, on the car. Defendant, said to witness, subsequent to the conductor coming through the car to collect fare, "Did you pay your fare?" Witness made no reply, and defendant repeated the question, and witness told defendant not to interfere with him. Defendant then said, "I have

BEEN AWAY FIGHTING

while you have been loafing on the Government. I like you with the shiny hats, I don't think. I could have got into the police when I came back: but I would not join them—they don't want men in them; they like wasters." Witness said if defendant continued talking in that way he would put him off the car, whereon defendant said, "You just try it on, and I'll stand you on your head in the road." A constable from Ascot Vale came on the scene when the tram stopped, and defendant's name and address was obtained.

In answer to Mr. McFarlane, McGuffy said  Ralston may have had a few drinks, but was "not under the influence" when he used the words complained of.  Mr. McFarlane said his client much regretted using the insulting words, and was  prepared to apologise to the constable. Defendant enlisted in January, 1915, in the Australian Light Horse, and had seen service in France for about two years odd. He fought at Bullecourt, and was one of those who helped to break the Hindenburg line. He was eventually discharged as medically unfit; but this was not due to any "misconduct" on his part. Defendant had never been charged before any civil or military tribunal. Defendant had won the distinguished service medal for bringing in wounded men under fire; but it seems seniority had something to do with this sort of thing, and some lance-corporal

GOT THE TROPHY.  

The constable did not desire to press the charge, and would leave the matter to the Bench. Defendant would apologise, and put £1 in the poor box. Defendant was now employed by the Defence Department, and was giving satisfaction; but on the 7th inst had too much whisky, and forgot himself.

Defendant apologised to McGuffy before the Court, put £1 in the poor box, and the case was withdrawn.

HIGH SPIRITS. (1918, September 28). Truth (Melbourne ed.) (Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 3. Retrieved November 27, 2014, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130173395