THE BLOW-AND AFTER

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1281, 9 November 1911, Page 2

THE BLOW-AND AFTER

GUNTHER'S DEATH. EDWARD MOFI-IT L\ COURT. Another stage regarding a si reel fatality, which has attracted somo attention, was reached in I lie Magistrate's L'ouit vcslci. day. In this case, Jidward Francis jloflitt appeared belorc Mr. \V. G. Kiddoll S \i charged with having unlawfully killctt ueorgo Ounther on October 31. At the inrjiirst, hold on November 3 it was stated that, while Moliitt was standing at tho corner of Manners Street and \\ hlis Streets, Uuntlier had approached him, and that, alter some littlo altercation, Moliitt had struck a blow. Gunther then fell heavily, and was subsequently removed, in an unconscious' condition, to tho Hospital, where he had died on the following alternoon. A New Witness, In Court yesterday, the evidence which had been given at tho inquest was repeated, and two new witnesses (John Culling and John Samuel Iloole) were called. Chief Detective Broborg prosecuted, and »ur. A. L. Herdman represented Moliitt. John Culling, plumber, residing at Brooklyn, stated tliat, at tho time of the occurrence, he was standing at the corner ot Manners Street and Willis Streets. His attention had iKon drawn to the matter by hearing Moliitt exclaim: "Don't argue with inc." Ho observed that Molh'tt was addressing Gunther, and Moffitt made that remark two or three times. He (Moffitt) then pushed Gunther away, and once moro exclaimed: "Don't argue with me." Gunther mumbled something by way of reply, but the witness could not hear what it was. Then Moffitt struck a hard blow, which caught Gunther somewhere about the chin, and Gunther fell backwards "liko a dead man." In his fall he descended heavily against Perretts windowsill. As far as ho could see Gunther was the worso for liquor, but, even if he had been sober, tho blow would have been sufficient to knock him down. As soon as Gunther fell Moffitt made off along the street. He (witness) had not seen Gunther threatening or attempting to strike Moffitt. Ho thought, however, that Gunther • was irritating Mottitt by standing there. To Mr. HerdiDiin: Ho did not notice Gmtther draw back his arm in a threatening way. It was true that ho expected Moffitt to strike (jnnthor, as Moffitt had repeatedly told him "not to argue.' , Gunther's attitude had been so irritating that witness expected that there would be a blow.

To IMcctive liroberg: His chief reason ior expecting Mollitt lo strike was that he observed that ho (Mofiitt) had his fist closed.

Another New Witness. John Samuel IToolc, lift man at theßank of Australasia buildings, and residin" in Brooklyn, stated that Gunther's attitude and demeanour did not seem threatening. Witness did not observe him mako nny attempt to strike, Moffitt told Gunthcr several times to go away. Defence Reserved. The accused pleaded not guilty. He reserved his deience, and was committed to the Supremo Court for trial. , Bail was allowed.