ALLEGED MANSLAUGHTER

Greymouth Evening Star, 24 February 1942, Page 4

ALLEGED MANSLAUGHTER

SOUTHLAND FARMER ACCUSED.

INVERCARGILL, February 23. In the Magistrate’s Court, this afternoon, William Lawrencd, 42, a farmer, of North Makarewa, appeared before Mr. R. C. Abernethy, S.M., on a charge of unlawfully killing John Meagher, and thereby committing manslaughter, at 9.30 o’clock last night. _ Constable A. Mcßae, of Waikiwi, was called to John Meagher’s farm. Meagher was removed to the Southland Hospital, suffering from severe head injuries, and he died early this morning. Lawrence is said to have reported what had happened to the police, and Meagher was later found by the roadside, suffering from severe head injuries, and with his arms and legs tied. It is stated that Lawrence, who lives about a mile and a-half from Meagher’s farm, went, last night, to visit his mother, Mrs. Meagher. It is alleged that an argument smarted between Lawrence and Meagher, and that blows were struck.

When Lawrence appeared before the Court, this afternoon, Senior Detective R. Thompson asked for a remand until March 2. This was granted. A request for bail on behalf of the accused was refused.