ATTEMPT TO MURDER?

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 264, 7 November 1929, Page 13

ATTEMPT TO MURDER?

CHINESE COOK CHARGED. DISPUTE OVER SEAMAN'S FOOD. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WESTPORT, Wednesday. Fong Sum, who was cook on the steamer Strathlorne, appeared in the. Police Court to-day charged with having attempted to murder John McKay, a seaman, on October 5 when the vessel was at Westport. McKay gave evidence that he came out of a hold about 8 a.m. and was passing the galley when the Chinese called him over and showed him some provisions on a scale, stating that they were his rations for the week. McKay called accused a certain name. Accused stepped out of the galley and stabbed him in the chest with a knife. Witness held accused's arm to prevent a second attempt to stab him. The mate came and , took "the knife from accused. Witness had been treated in hospital since. In answer to Detective Murch, McKay stated that he made his reply to accused because the latter was not giving them the Board -of Trade allowance. He was giving them only two ounces of meat for breakfast instead of eight ounces.

Accused pleaded not guilty and was committed for trial at the next sitting o£ the Supreme Court.