New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18577, 8 December 1923. NEIGHBOURS FIGHT. QUARREL AT BIRKENHEAD,"WHAT COULD I DO, SIR!"

A neighbours quarrel at Birkenhead was responsible for the appearance at the Police Court yesterday, of two middle aged men, Edward Minter (Mr. Inder) [lawyer] and Albert Henry Hall (Mr. Hogg) on charges of using threatening behaviour. It was stated that Hall and Minter had been at variance for some time, and the police at Birkenhead had received complaints from each about the other.
The charges arose out of a fight outside Hall's residence. One witness caused some amusement by remarking that as both parties were friends of his, he was " between the devil and the deep sea.". Mrs. Hall fainted on going into the witness box, and was not called again. Hall gave evidence that his son had said that Minter had been making complaints about him. Witness had therefore invited Minter to come up and make his complaints to him.
He did not know who struck the first blow. "What could I do, Your Worship ? " asked Hall, "there was I with my family, and my wife said if you don't hit him I will". Mr. Poynton, S.M., asked witness if he had not knocked one of Minter's teeth out before Minter had raised his hands. "Well, sir," was the reply, "I must, have had more luck than I thought I did."
Both charges were dismissed, Hall being ordered to pay 11s costs. Public - Gina - Researcher - 17 August 2019 - newspaper article