A FATAL BLOW

Evening Star, Issue 18058, 28 August 1922, Page 4

A FATAL BLOW

ARREST OH MURDER CHARGE. "THREE CHEERS POR THE MAN WHO KILLED COLLINS.” [Pep, United Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, August 27. Samuel Holland, aged thirty-five, a member of a well-known Ashburton family, has been arrested at Ashburton on a charge of the murder of James Gill, aged sixty-two, a farm laborer, who has been a well-known figure in the Ashburton district for the past forty years. The facts appear to bo that about 9 o’clock last night a number of men were standing outside Victoria Hall (Ashburton), where a dance was in progres. Gill rode up on horseback, and, in dismounting, remarked that his horse was fond of music. It is alleged that Holland there' upon stepped out from the bunch and hi Gill, knocking him down. Gill picket himself up, and asked; who struck him. Holland.it is said, stepped out again, an 4 struck Gill a second time. Gill tell to the ground in the middle of the roadway, and did not rise again. Holland went away. Some of the others of the party propped up Gill in a doorway, thinking he would soon come round, and one of them took Ids horse awav to a stable. Half an hour afterwards this man returned, and, ou examining Gill, came to the conclusion that ho was dead. Ho sent for the police and a doctor, and tho latter, on his arrival, pronounced life to bo extinct. It is stated that earlier in the day Holland and some friends were at the Chertt:cy Hotel, when Gill rode up. While Holland’s party were at the bar Gill came in and called out, “Three cheers for the man who killed Michael Collins.” Holland, or one of his friends, retorted, “You are a Do Valera, are you!” Then there was a scuffle between Holland and Gill, but they were separated. ACCUSED REMANDED. BAIL IN £I,OOO. ASHBURTON, August 28. Samuel Holland appeared before justices this morning charged with the murder of James Gill on Saturday night. Tho police application for a remand until September 5 was granted. Accused’s counsel applied for bail, which was opposed by the police. Bail was allowed in a total sum of £I,OOO.