Sikh Watchman's Party: Trouble at the Wharf and Police Court Charge Entertaining evidence by Sikh witnesses who, it was frequently suggested, more than once fell from. the truth, was heard by Mr. G. W. King in H. M. Police Court on Wednesday when Lachman and Haman Singh, No. 1 and No. 4 watchmen, respectively, at the Osaka Shosen Kaisha Wharf, were charged by Warriam Singh, watchman at the same wharf, wich assaulting and beating him.
Mr. R. ©. Faithfull appeared for the prosecutor and Mr. J. G. Priestwood for the defendants.
Warriam Singh said that, on returning to the wharf at 5.15 p.m. preparatory to going on duty at 6, the No. came along and quarrelled with him. He called the No. watchman. While one of the defendants held witness by the arms, the other struck him a heavy blow on the face with a stick. Witness heard them say they were going to throw him into the river. Afterwards he lapsed into unconsciousness. On coming to he went to Wayside Police Station, where the inspec-for in charge sent him to the General Hospital. A sister dressed his wounds and. the next morning witness saw a German doctor.
Cvoss-examining, Mr. Priestwood put iv to witness that he had been drunk, and the defendant Lachman, who was the No, 1 and his superior, had ordered him to go to his quarters.
Witness emphatically denied that he ever drank whiskey, "Did not you get what is known as Veteran Whiskey? You bought two bottles in tha morning, and afterwards got two more bottles, making four in all?" witness was asked.
Witness—I never drink and do not know the taste of wine. I never drink alcohol, so how could T be drunk Mr. Pricstwood—I put it to you it is a lie thab Lachman struck you?—(Witness)—I hold up my hand, so how could I tell lies in Court?
Sham Singh, No. 2 watchman at the whart, described the alleged assault, and added that he told defendants to leave Warriam, for he might be dying. "If he dies," they answered, "we will throw him into the river."
Witness was asked by Mr. Priestwood whether it was contrary to the Sikh religion to take alcohol of all—(Witness) I do not know, I cannot say.
The Magistrate—He is not much of a Sikh if he doeg not know.
Witness—[t is prohibited for Sikhs.
(Mr. Priestwood—It is not prohibited. I mean you are not for-hidden to take one glass of whiskey 1 (Witness)—But there are many people in all religions drinking (Laughter). We cannot even taken one glass.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.