RIFLE THREATS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 30, 5 February 1937, Page 9

RIFLE THREATS.

FARMER FOR TRIAL.

MURDER ATTEMPT CHARGE.

SHOT FIRED AT DETECTIVE.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

NEW PLYMOUTH, Thursday,

Dramatic events in the baekblocks near Whangamomona were recounted in the Police Court to-day, when William Joseph Fox, a farm manager for the Crown Lands Department at Aotuhia, was committed for trial on a charge of attempting to murder Detective Patrick Kearney, and of discharging a firearm at the detective with intent to resist arrest. Uetective Kearney said in evidence that ho was instructed to interview Fox with regard to alleged bigamy. He had a telephone conversation with Fox, in which the latter seemed perfectly reasonable. The detective did not disclose the nature of his business over the telephone. Later, with Constable Johnson, of Whangamomona, he motored to Fox's farm. To theix : surprise they found Fox waiting for them with a rille in his hands. His wife and two children were with him and the children were crying. The wife was obviously trying to pfcciiy Fox. At Fox's request the detective had brought from Whangamomona Fox's mail and groceries. Firing of Shot. Menacing them with the rifle, Fox told Detective Kearney to stand still and ordered the constable to take the groceries and mail to the end of a swing bridge leading to the house. Fox ordered his wile to take the goods from the constable, while he held his ,rifle at the ready. Fox walked up to the detective, who tried to pacify him, but without effect, so the detective decided to seek cover and suddenly plunged into the bush. Fox called out to him to be a man and come out on to the road. This he did and Fox ordered him to put his hands up. Tho detective explained the object of his visit and, at Fox's order, threw his papers on the ground. Fox's wife handed the papers to Fox. Meanwhile the detective Was edging toward the bush. Whether througn what he read in the papers or because of a movement of the detective, Fox suddenly seized the rifle, which he had placed against a fence, and fired at Detective Kearney. The detective moved quickly and the bullet missed its mark. The detective again plunged into the bush. Constable Johnsbn was a few yards away with his hands up. Two stock buyers drove along the road in>*i car and, after tonsiderable argument, the police officers were able to get away qilietly. Bravery of Officers. The Commissioner of Crown Lands, Mr. F. H. Waters, who was 011 good terms with Fox, went out from Xew Plymouth to try to make Fox listen to reason, but he spent almost the whole of the night In peril of his life before he could persuade Fox to give up possession of the rifie and accompany Mr. Waters to New' Plymouth, where lie surrendered to the police. Fox telephoned the detective and told him he had fired the shot only to frighten the detective. ,

Mr. 11. 11. Quilliam, who appeared for the Crown, paid a tribute to the bravery and tact of the police officers and of Mr. Waters, also of one of the stock buyers,. Mr. Rod Mcßae.