DISTURBANCE AT CASHMERE.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20829, 12 April 1933, Page 17

DISTURBANCE AT CASHMERE.

REVOLVER SHOOTING ALLEGED.

CHARGE AGAINST MARRIED WOMAN.

After evidence, lasting the whole of yesterday afternoon, had been heard in the Magistrate's Court before Mr E. D. Mosley, S.M., Myrtle Long, a married woman, aged 45, of Hackthorne road, Cashmere Hills, was committed to the next criminal sittings of the Supreme Court for trial. She pleaded not guilty to a charge that, on March 25, at Christchurch, with intent to do grievous boaiiy harm, she discharged a loaded revolver at Arthur Henry Way, a salesman. When Mrs Long appeared originally she was charged with attempting to murder Way. Yesterday, when the police case was opened, no evidence was offered on this charge, and it was dismissed for want of prosecution. The other charge was substituted. The accused, who is an American by birth, was represented by Mr W. J. Stacey, with him Mr R. A. Young. Evidence as to Quarrel. Arthur Henry Way, a married man with three children, a salesman, residing at Oxford terrace, said that he was living apart from his wife and was in partnership with a Mr Ashby as Universal Distributors. He had been employed by Mrs Long as a salesman off and on since her husband had gone to Wellington. He had had to visit Mrs Long at her home at Cashmere to discuss business matters. Witness called at accused's house on March 25 on business. He was there from about 9 p.m. until 11.30 p.m., and there was a dispute about 1.0.U.'5. A little before 11.30 p.m. he left the room and went into the hall, but a heated argument was still continued. Witness did not remember what happened immediately after that. He heard two or three reports, but did not see the flashes. Accused had not previously threatened to shoot him. A bullet lodged in his left forearm, and another struck him slightly on the shoulder. He had the bullet removed at the Christchurch Hospital and was discharged on March 27. Money Owed to Mrs Long. To Mr Stacey, witness said that he still owed Mrs Long some money. He could give no reason why she had shot him. Archibald Jenkins, a relief worker, gave evidence of having sold the revolver and ammunition to the accused for 30s. She said she was living alone and needed protection. Evidence was given by Leyden West Baker, land agent, 88 Hackthorrie road, Cashmere, who told of hearing voices raised in anger and shots from Mrs Long's house on the night of March 25; by John Leonard Rogers, who said that on his way back to the city from Cashmere he met Way and drove him to Sydenham post office; by Vernon W. Miles, taxi-driver, who said that he drove Way to the hospital; and Dr. W. K. Hamilton, who told of Way's admission to, and treatment at, the hospital. Statement by the Accused. Detective-Sergeant E. F. O'Brien gave evidence of interviewing Mrs Long, who admitted having shot Way. He produced a statement made by accused on March 27. In this accused said that she had met Way while assisting in her husband's shop. He borrowed money from her, totalling about £2OO, in the last three years. He had paid back about £2B. He had visited her house 12 months ago and refused to go away until the police came. Two years ago he threatened to cut her throat, and since then she had been afraid of him. He called at 9 p.m. on March 25, showing signs of liquor, and asked her to finance him in buying out his partner, Mr Ashby. She got him outside and 1 threatened to shoot if he did not leave the premises. Evidence of Shooting:. "I went upstairs and unlocked my wardrobe, where I had a revolver fully loaded in fear of Way," said the accused. "I went down to the door, told him I had the revolver, and that if he did not go I would shoot him. I opened the door and fired a-number of shots at him." Later, continued the statement, accused found that the revolver contained one live cartridge and five empty shells. She did not intend to kill Way, but to make him go away and to cease visiting her house. She had not fired at him previously, but on the Sunday before she had threatened him and ordered him out of the 'house with the revolver. Leslie F. Tisdall, an expert in fireaims, gave evidence of having examined the revolver and ammunition. Bail was allowed in £2OO, with one surety of £2OO. Charges Against Way. Way, for whom Mr A. B. Hobbs appeared, then pleaded not guilty to being found without lawful excuse on the premises of 89 Hackthorne road on March 25, and to being an idle and disorderly person, having insufficient lawful visible means of support. His case was adjourned sine die, and bail of £2O was allowed.