THE OPUNAKE STABBING CASE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume III, Issue 194, 6 January 1882, Page 2

THE OPUNAKE STABBING CASE.

We learn from the 1 Tarauaki Herald that James Young Htiilry was yesterday charged with having, on the Ist January, at Opunake, maliciously ar>d feloniously wounded William Millet, with intent to do grievous bodily harm. Mr. Samuel appeared for accused; William Millet deposed — I am a groom, residing at Opnnake. I have been employed by the defendant and Mr. Hall for about five weeks. On Christmas Day the defendant told me he did not want me any longer, and he would givo me my money like a man. About an hour afterwards the defendant came into the stable be longing to tha Telegraph Hotel, Opunake, and he told me that it would take two like me to make a man. We had a scuffle, and we separated. On the following night, at the stable door, when I j asked the defendant for my money, he had a wash-basin in his hand, and flung it at me. I stood and laughed, when the defendant threw a long-handled shovel at me, chased me with a three-pronged fork out into the street, and also threw two or three stones after me. On New Year's morning I saw the defendant lying in his bunk in the harness room with his clothes on, at 8 a.m. The room was also occu- : pied by a groom named Harvey, John j Newman, and Harry Middleton. I spoke to John Newman, and the prisoner said to me, " Clear to h— ll out of this." He then jumped out of his bunk and caught j hold of me, and we had a scuffle. I stood in the room, and I saw the prisoner with a sword bayonet in his hand, and he struck me a blow with it on the head. I became unconscious from the deep wound on the left side of my head. The prisoner, I believe, also wounded me in the left arm. When I became conscious I found myself lying outside the fence, and a man named O'Donnell was trying to take me to the doctor. The doctor came and attended to me at the Telegraph Hotel a short time after I received the wound. I became unconscious again, and I came to my senses when the doctor was sewing up the wound on my arm. I saw the prisoner at the door of the room when the doctor was bandaging my wounds, and the prisoner said, "It serves him right ; he has not got half enough." Cross-examined : When I went into the I stable on New Year's morning I had a caudle with me. I swear I did not say I was going to do something with the candle to Henry. I went into the stable also to make a bet with Mr. Newman on the races. The harness room where Henry sleeps is about 10ft. x 12ft, and his bed is facing the door. When the defendant jumped out of bed to come to me I thought it was only in fun. I do not think he meant to injure me. I did not clear out of the room when the prisoner told me to. I did not take any notice of the prisoner, but spoke to Newman. I think the prisoner put Harry Middleton out of the room before he touched me. Taylor is a friend of Henry's ; he is no friend of mine. Dr. Alexander stated the nafrare of the injuries received by Millet, and said it will take about three weeks or a month from the time the wounds were inflicted until Millet is fit for work again. When I first saw Millet he was drank. I had the greatest difficulty in keeping him quiet while dressing his wouuds. He was faint from loss of blood. I noticed no signs of concussion of the brain, and I have noticed none since. While I was there I heard some one say that it would be better for Henry to make it up with Millet, but Henry refused. Millet refused also to make it up, and gave Henry in charge. Millet appeared to be in a state of semi-intoxication all day. NEW PLYMOUTH, This Day. Henry was again brought up this morning, charged with wounding Millet, at Opunake, when he was committed for trial at the next sitting of the Supreme Court.