COMMITTED FOR TRIAL

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 123, 26 May 1945, Page 8

COMMITTED FOR TRIAL

P.A. WHANGAREI, May 25. Rejecting a submission that on the evidence the charge should be dismissed, the Magistrate, Mr. Harley, today committed William Martin, aged 21 truck driver, for trial in the Supreme Court on a charge of unlawfully killing William Arnesen at Pakotai on April 2, thereby committing manslaughter. The adjourned hearing of the case began today, evidence being given by Maoris and detectives. Maori .witnesses alleged that the Arnesen brothers were drunk and that after more beer had been consumed fighting began. Detective Mahood said the accused had admitted striking the deceased with a stone which happened to be at hand, in order to protect his father, who was being roughly handled. The Maoris feared that the Arnesens would, use the axe, spade, and piece of wood which they had concealed behind their backs. One Maori had been struck on the back with the spade. The Magistrate said there /was .no doubt as to the true story, but, taking the view that it was not for him to decide what should be done, he committed the accused to the Supreme Court. Bail was allowed on his own recognisance of £10 and one surety of £25. •