Argument After Draughts Game

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30672, 11 February 1965, Page 3

Argument After Draughts Game

(New Zealand Press Association) GISBORNE, February 10. Pleading not guilty to a charge of manslaughter, Boy Ahuroa Katipa, aged 37, a scrubcutter, was this afternoon committed for trial at the Supreme Court, Gisborne, on February 16.

Messrs W. B. Turbitt and W. J. Sinclair, J.P.’s, were on the bench. Katipa was charged with striking Reginald Ngatai, a blow or blows to the head, causing his death on January 8. Katipa was remanded on bail of £5OO with one surety. The Crown was represented by Mr J. G. Nolan and Mr J. C. Kinder appeared for the accused. Medical evidence was given by Dr. R. W. Morrison that Ngatai died at the Cook Hospital on January 8 from injuries consistent with his

having suffered a large number of very severe blows to the head. Dr. Morrison said the brain injuries were not consistent with Ngatai having fallen, striking his head on the footpath. Ronnald Hugh Lougher, a barman in the Masonic Hotel, said Ngatai and the accused began to fight in the public bar after a game of draughts. Ngatai won the game and proceeded to “skite” about his victory, witness said. The fight was broken up but later resumed on the footpath in Lowe street, resulting in Ngatai being knocked to the pavement. Constable E. Spicer said Katipa told Ngatai “I’m sorry. I did not mean to hurt you.” Sergeant R. T. Keane said Katipa, in a statement at the police station, said Ngatai had called him “yellow,” but he asked Ngatai not to bother him.

To Mr Kinder, Sergeant Keane said Ngatai was known to the police as a “troublemaker.” Mr Kinder submitted the prosecution had not established a prima facie case.