ALLEGED ATTEMPTED MURDER

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLI, Issue XLI, 15 October 1921, Page 7

ALLEGED ATTEMPTED MURDER

THE SPRINGSTON CASE. BY C&BLfi—PBEBB ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT CHRISTCHUIICH, Oct. 14. The hearing was continued to-day of two charges of attempted murder against James Scott Main, Acclimatisation Society's ranger. The cases arose out of an affray at Springston on September 14, when bullet wounds were, sustained by two men, Bartholomew McEvedy and Bernard Niittall, the former being woundeel in the wrist and thigh, the latter in the hand. The Magistrate said the evidonce'led him to believe that there wag no intention to kill on the part of accused, but to frighten and hit and thus disable. He reduced the clmrge from attempted murder to discharging a firearm with intent to do grievous bodily harm. Robert Johnston, traveller, gave evidence that ho was staying at the Springston Hotel on the night of the affray, and was awakened by a motor «ar pulling up at the front door. An argument started, and a woman's voice asked a man named "Ted" to get into the car and come away. The person addressed refusing, saying he was going to have it out with this Scotch —. Witness heard the Scot (Main) asked to come out and fight, and saw Main fmt his foot through the motor car amp and warn the others to keep back or he would shoot the lot. H© heard three shots fired in quick succession. "Witness went downstairs and saw the person who had Been shot lying on the ground, and two or three men holding Main. The latter got away, and rode off on a motor cycle. He appeared to pc fairly sober by the way he mounted. One woman said, "For God's sake don't Jet. the police know of this. We want to keep it quiet." Accused pleaded not guilty and reserved his defence. He was committed for trial, bail being allowed.

et. the police know of this. We want bo keep it quiet.", " , i Accused pleaded not guilty and reserved his defence. He was committed for trial, bail being allowed.