FIRING OF SHOTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21933, 30 January 1946, Page 6

FIRING OF SHOTS

NO MURDER ATTEMPT MAN FRIGHTENING WIFE S.M. DISMISSES CASE The charge against Dudley Roland Harris, aged 46, shepherd, of attempting to murder his wife, Rosetta Ruth Harris, at Makuri on the afternoon of December 18, was dismissed at Pahiatua by Mr. C. C. Marsack, S.M., who considered accused's explanation that he fired three rounds from his rifle only to frighten his wife was consistent with the facts brought before the court. Mrs. Harris said that on the day of the incident her husband, after a difference with the manager of the station, said he had a good mind to throw in his job, but she tried to persuade him to remain until after Christmas. Harris said he would leave that night, but she declined to go with him. He asked her if it was her wish that they should part. She replied that it would be better-.unless he pulled himself together. He told her to go, and as she left the room she said: "I am finished with you.” Did Not Inform Police

Witness said she left the house, and when she reached the front gate she heard him say: 'Til put a shot into you.” She then ran as last as she could and, instead of taking the usual horse track, went across the paddocks, so that she could not be seen from the verandar. She then heard a shot fired and a whizzing sound. A little later there were two further shots, but no whizzing. Witness got down behind a log and looked over the top to see if her husband was following. As there were no signs of him, she made her way to where a neighbour was mustering sheep. Mrs. Harris said she did not inform the police. Continuing, witness recounted previous incidents of domestic trouble, and said that under the influence of liquor accused was very excitable and argumentative. When sober he was quite all right, kindly and considerate, and they got on well together. Her husband fought in the Libyan campaign, and had been discharged because of war neurosis. They were married in February, 1945.

Accused’s Explanation Accepted. A police constable gave evidence that Harris said he fired the rifle only to frighten his wife. He fired from the verandah into a bank opposite. Measurements showed Mrs. Harris to be 251yds. from the house when she heard the first shot. . ~ The magistrate, in dismissing the charge, referred to the fact that Mrs. Harris'was at a distance from the house and in a position where she could not be seen by accused. Harris had mamtained throughout that he only wanted to frighten his wife, and his explanation was more consistent with what happened than an intention to kill. He was satisfied it was not a case that should be sent for trial.