CHIPPING NORTON.

CHADLINGTON PETTY SESSIONS - Wednesday, Sept. 4.

Before Rev. Canon Carter (in the chair), and Messrs. J.G. Abraham, T.H. Burbidge, and J.B. Bowen.

Neighbourly Grievances at Lyneham: Throwing Water at Each Other.- Jane Hemmings, wife of William Hemmings, of Lyneham, was summoned by Charlotte Pratley, wife of Philip Pratley, for assault on the 21st August. There was a cross-summons against Mrs. Pratley.- The case of Hemmings was first taken and Mrs. Pratley said for some time defendant had been burrowing from her "right and left" until she thought at last it was time "to draw in." Defendant then began to use abusive language towards witness, and on the day in question she threw some water in witness' house and also on witness. She also made use of very bad language, and "clapped her hands and hurrayed." She then came up to witness and hit her in the face with a bucket she was carrying. Witness was knocked down, by the blow, and lay on the ground bleeding for sometime.- Jane Hamblin, a neighbour, corroborated the evidence of Mrs. Pratley, and said she saw the blood "flying all over the place."- the cross- summons was next taken, and Mrs. Pratley said she was sure she never touched Mrs. Hemmings. The story of complainant was to the effect that she went to fetch a bucket of water, and as she was passing defendant's door, Mrs. Pratley came out and threw a bowl of suds over her. Defendant then threatened to thrash witness, and subsequently struck her on the back with a bucket, and witness retaliated. Witness then went indoors.- Thomas Duester said he saw both women at the tap together. Mrs. Pratley had got her bucket of water first and Mrs. Hemmings afterwards filled her bucket. Witness distinctly saw Mrs. Pratley throw some water over Mrs. Hemmings, and afterwards hit her with the bucket.- Ethel Hemmings, sister-in-law to the complainant, deposed to seeing defendant throw water over her sister, and also saw defendant strike her with a bucket. Her sister aimed back at Mrs. Pratley, but witness was sure defendant struck the first blow.- The Bench dismissed both cases, each party to pay her own costs.