SENT FOR TRIAL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 243, 14 October 1933, Page 11

SENT FOR TRIAL.

ELDERLY HUSBAND.

MAGISTRATE'S DECISION. QUESTION OF WIFE'S EVIDENCE. Without hearing further evidence, Mr. Wyvern Wilson, S.M., ,to-dav committed to the Supreme Court for trial John Shaw Gordon, aged 6S, bricklayer, charged that, with intent to do grievous bodily harm, he did actual bodily harm to his wife, Nellie Gordon. He was also charged with attempted suicide. The charges followed an affair in a house at 71, Grange Road, Mount Eden, on the morning of August 30 last, when Gordon and his wife were found seriously injured. Evidence was heard on Thursday. Detective-Sergeant M. O'Sullivan conducted the case for the police, and accused was represented by Mr. H. R. A. Vialoux. "I have decided to commit the accused for trial without hearing any further evidence," said the magistrate. "I think that the depositions already taken establish a prima facie case. The only other evidence that might have been called is that of his wife. She objects to give any evidence. She is in a delicate state of "health, and if any steps were taken to test the question as to whether she is a compellable as well as a competent witness it might react on her health. Nor do I think it necessary. "If the prosecution think it necessary to have her evidence, then they can subpoena her as a witness for the Supreme Court trial. If she remains obdurate, the matter can then be tested in the highest Court." Accused pleaded not guilty, reserved his defence, and was committed to the Supreme Court for trial on both charges.