ALLEGED ASSAULT.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 103, 3 May 1929, Page 3

ALLEGED ASSAULT.

FARMER SERIOUSLY INJURED. OPERATION IN HOSPITAL. TWO' MEN OH AKG ED. (From. Our Own Correspondent.) TE ivtJITT, Thursday. The sequel to a sensational occurrence which took place at a farmhouse at Oparuri on Sunday, March 3, When, as the result of an alleged assault, Joan Appleton, fanner, of that district, was admitted to the Te Kniti hospital in a serious condition suffering from a compound fracture of the skull, was heard in the Police Court to-day when John McKay Smith and Neils Theodore Larson, farmers, residing in the Oparuri district, appeared before Messrs. J. McCarroll. and G. Chitrcher, J.lVs, on charges of assault causing actual bodily harm to John • Appleton. The accused were represented by Mr. K. W. Low, Sergeant Ferltlsy conducting proceedings for the police. Appleton, still in a weak condition, stated that he went to the property of Larsen over the matter of some " water rights," and, as the result of an altercation, Smith rushed him and knocked him down. Larsen at the time had a stone in his hand. Smith put tremendous pressure on his head when he was oil the ground. "He broke my teeth and attempted to break my neck," added complainant. "When I arose I was struck on the head by a stone." A hat produced in Court, which witness said was the one he was wearing, showed a bloodstained perforation which corresponded with the wound witness had received. Witness was quite sure he did not strike a stone when lie fell. It was while he was travelling towards the entrance gate that he received a crack from behind. Larsen had then got over the fence, and had a stone lu his hand. Dr. Isaac deposed that he found Appleton at a neighbour's house suffering from a lacerated contusion of the seal]) over the left vault of' the skull. Appleton was in a condition of shock, due partly from loss of blood and partly from injury received. Appleton was removed to Te Kuiti hospital, where witness operated on him, removing a square inch of fractured bone.

Sergeant Fernley and Constable Mnir gave evidence as to the taking of Appleton's depositions at the hospital, and tliu subsequent arrest of both accused. When charged, Smith declared Larseii was innocent, and that lie (Smith) was prepared to accept full responsibility. Smith said he had scuffled with Appleton after an argument over " water rights," and had thrown Appleton over his head, when he must have fallen headlong on a large stone. He denied that either he or Larsen hit. Appleton with a stone. Both accused reserved their defence, and were committed to stand their trial at the June session of the Supreme Court at Hamilton. Bail was allowed in two sureties of £200 (£o00) in each ease.