Injured Man’s Evidence At Bedside Court

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 December 1949, Page 4

Injured Man’s Evidence At Bedside Court

’ AUCKLAND, This Day (P.A.).— A bedside court was held at the Auckland Public Hospital early this morning to take-the testimony of an injured man whose condition was deteriorating. The patient was William Henry Wilson, aged 38, a labourer The man accused of doing him grievous-bodily harm was John Tai Raymond, aged 40, a labourer. Ravmond was accompanied by.his counsel. Wilson testified that on Boxing Day night he visited a house in Airedale street, where the accused and Mary Benson occupied s front room.* “I asked Raymond for beer and paid him 18s for a half-dozen bottles. I stayed and drank the beer there. About 3v people were there,” Wilson said. He though he left about 11.30. Raymond struck him down in the front room, kicking him in the stomach and back. Raymond then threw him out on a vacant section. Witness was not too sober. A policeman found him about 11’ o’clock next morning. Cross-examined, Wilson said he Visited tha house about three times weekly. He did not remember returning about two o’clock in the morning and Raymond giving him a bed on a couch. He slept on the section. He believed he was assaulted to get money. People knew he got about £2OO compensation for an injury to his hand. He had about £5 or £6 when he went to Airedale street. He had nothing when the police found him. The Magistrate, Mr H. Jenner Wily, adjourned the hearing. ,