ATTEMPTED MURDER CHARGE

Evening Star, Issue 17792, 14 October 1921, Page 6

ATTEMPTED MURDER CHARGE

A CHRISTCHURCH AFFRAY. [Pee United Pekss Association.] CHRTSTCIIURCH, October 14. Hearing of the charges of attempted murder preferred a gainst James Scott Main was resumed to-day. Robert Johnston (traveller) pave evidence that he was staying at the Springston Hotel on the night of the affray, and went to bed. at about 0 o’clock. He war. awakened some time later by a motor car pulling up at the front door. An argument started, and a woman’s voice asked a man named “ Ted ” to got into the car and come a,way. The person addressed refused, saying that ho was “going to have it out with this Hootch -. Witness hoard the Scot (Alain) a sited to come out and fight, and he saw Main put his foot through the motor car lamps and warn the others to keep had: or he would shoot the lot. Ho heard three shots fired in quick succession. Witness went downstair!?, mid saw the person who had hern shot lying on the ground, and two or three men holding Main. The latter got away, and rode off on a motor cycle. lie appeared to ho fairly sober by the way bo mounted. One woman said : "For God’s sake don’t let the police know of this. Wo want to keep it quiet.” Mrs Harris, licensee of the Springston Hotel, stated that Main arrived at the hotel at 3 or 4 o’clock', had two or three beers, mid later, tea. Ho said he bad had family trouble and would stay the night. Main went to bed and appeared normal After the scene in the sitting room all tlio visitors went outside. She saw Main put his foot through a lamp, and heard someone- ask him to put the revolver away. Witness ran back under the verandah, and heard shots fired.