TOKORIMA TRAGEDY.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 249, 18 October 1920, Page 2

TOKORIMA TRAGEDY.

THE INQUEST RESUMED. (By Telegraph. —Own Correspondent.) TAUMARUNUJ, this day. The inquest on the body of Frank Telfer (the victim of the Tokorima tragedy) was resumed before Mr. A. S. Laird (coroner) this morning, the Court | being crowded with spectators. The only i witness examined was James Edward i Loft. Anderson took keen interest in the proceedings, making notes of evidence. In answer to a> question he said that for the inquest he did not want a solicitor, but that he would engage legal assistance later. Sergeant Miller represented the police. James Edward Loft, in his evidence, stated that he never had a quarrel with Anderson at any time, though he heard Anderson threaten to do for Harland brothers. Anderson stated that when he (Anderson) was under the influence of liquor Tim Harland had injected poison into him and robbed him of his money, and ruined him for life. Anderson was very moody at times, and frequently stated that the world was against him. On October 7 Anderson left Loft's employ, being paid about £50 wages. On the evening of October 14, about seven o'clock, witness, his brother, nephew, an engineer named Morris, tlfe maid (Miss Hefferman), his wife, and four children were at tea. when the kitchen window was raised, and Anderson appeared. He ' demanded some refreshment, telling them not to be alarmed. IXQUEST CONTINUED. Witness, continuing said Anderson partook of two cups of tea at the window. He asked for "tucker for the road," and was given some sandwiches. He said all the police in the country were after him, nnd he could see the lights behind him. Anderson asked for a coat and was given one by Herbert Loft. Anderson then raised a rifle, saying, "I've got to proper business now."' He appeared very much excited and they all became alarmed. The deceased Telfer ! remarked, 'It is blocked up with clay, I Bill." Anderson replied. "That is all rijrht." Witness asked him, "Have you pot the pills. Rill?" Anderson replied, "1 have got every thing." He again referred to the police, and accused Loft of having sairl things against him, sayinjf, "T have come here with the intention of doing two of you in. but I think T will do one, and I am going to shoot Jim Anderson." He waved all the others to one ■side, and took aim. All left the kitchen. witness dashing into the maids' room. When half way ; n he heard a. shot fired and caw his nephew Frank' Telfer fall. He came back into the kitchen, but Andor=on was not a.t the window. Witness dived through, and when he was outside a second shot was fired twenty feet away. He got over the fence and fell down, rolling under a log. He heard Amlerson Ret over the fence. Witness pot up and went down to the- river, ?wam across, and found his jf«v io Roberts' place at Aukopae about*midnight. There he rested. He rang up the ■police the nest day, coming in to Taumanfnui. Anderson had several times asked him if he'wanted any dosrs killed, as if he we anxious to see Wood. On one occasion witness saw him kill ;i do<; with an axe. He had positively no dispute with Anderson over eaniblinw or drink. . & To the Bench: Knew somefhino- about some whisky being stolen at R~to and had drunk come of it. The effect of! the drink on Anderson made, him sle»py j and sometimes boastful, but otherwise there was no harm in it. They wrre nil I naturally frghtened on the night of the! murder, which wns the reason wV- thny 1 ffave Anderson all he demanded. VT:tnra\ did not fear for the safety of his wife I and family, and would have returned! home had he done so.