KINGSLAND SHOOTING AFFAIR.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 31, 5 February 1910, Page 5

KINGSLAND SHOOTING AFFAIR.

ALLEGED ATTEMPTED MURDER AND SUICIDE. OLIVER COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. In the Police Court yesteruay afternoon George Oliver was charged that on the 29th December at Kingsland he attempted to murder his wife by shooting at her with a revolver, and, further, that he attempted to commit suicide by cutting his throat with a penknife. Sub-Inspector Hendrey appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. A. E. Skelton for the defence. The affair took place, as the information sets out, on the 29th December last. Since that time accused has been in the Hospital until quite recently, and his unfortunate wife has been so up3et by the shock that she has not been able up till the present to appear in Court. It was alleged that accused fired three revolver shots at his wife, the bullet from one of which passed through her hand. He was overpowered before he could fire any more, but when he found himself alone he tried to take his own life by cutting his throat. Elizabeth Oliver, wife of the accused, said that for some three months prior to the affair accused had been living at a farm in the country, and she herself had remained in Kingeland. The home had been made rather unhappy through her husband's drinking habits. During this time ho had slept at his house at Kingsland only one night. On the 29th December accused came to the house at Kingsland, said that he was "going to give in," that drink was no good to him, and asked to be forgiven for what he had done. Wit-ness replied that if he would give up the drink and come home, she would look after him. He said that he had to go up town on business, and that he would be away for about an hour and α-half. About" two hours later accused came in and asked where the boy was, meaning his son. Witness replied that he was doing something to his planes. He then asked witness to come to the bedroom for a few minutes. He asked her to sit down beside him on the bed, and she did so. He said something about 'last time," and then took a revolver from his pocket and fired. Witness screamed and tried to get away, but she could not clearly recollect anything else that occurred. The only shot which hit her was the second, which passed through hor hand. Finally her cries attracted her Bon and daughter, and with their help, she succeeded in disarming her husband of the revolver. Then she ran outside and screamed for help, and, she had been informed, fainted almost immediately.

To Mr. Skelton: Two shots were fired before her son and daughter arrived, but she was not sure about the third.

Henrietta Amelia Oliver corroborated this story, and told in more detail how she and her brother had overpowered accused, and taken the revolver from him. After ho had been arrested accused mentioned to her that he had written a letter to her, told her where she could find it, and asked her to carry out the instructions in it.

The first portion of the letter was dated December 28, and the first paragraph was as follows:—"I am on the eve of committing one of the worst crimps ever committed in this district. I have a load that is heavier than 1 can bear. I have been shut out of the comfort of my family by the ignorant cuasedness of my wife, and I must havo my revenge. My life is no use to mc, for I have trouble on every hand, so 1 intend to do away with myself and my wife. She has been the means of mc living an unnatural, miserable life, and, in order for her not to have the benefit of the little I have, I have decided to take this course. There is sure to be someone that will blame mc, but before being too rough try to think how you could put up with what I have had to in a lonely house by yourself— colli, desolate, miserable, and none to speak to. It has preyed on my mind, and got the best of mc." The rest of the letter contained frequent references— some of them unkind —to other members of the family, and gave minute instructions as to how his effects were to be disposed of. The last part of the letter was dated December 29th.

George Oliver, son of the accused, corroborated liis sister's evidence.

To Mr. Skelton: Hia father had been most attached to the members of his family, and had generally been kind to them.

Dr. Eade, house surgeon at the Auckland Hospital, gave evidence as to tho injuries suffered by Mrs. Oliver and the accused, and Constable Wainhouse gave evidence as to the arrest. Sergeant Eales also gave evidence.

Accused pleaded "not guilty" to both charges, reserved his defence, and was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. No application was made for bail.