ATTEMPTED MURDER CHARGE

Hokitika Guardian, 1 May 1931, Page 3

ATTEMPTED MURDER CHARGE

FREDERICK NUNN’S TRIAL

(By Telegraph —Per Press Association)

HASTINGS, April 30. Evidence that accused, though mar-

ried, wished to get a divorce, ana marry her and that she declined similar repeated offers, was given by Mavis Steele Smith, tor the alleged attempting to murder of whom Herbert Frederick Nunn appeared at Hastings Court to-day, before Air A. M. Mowlorn, S.M. Inspector Cummings ap-

peared for the police, and Mr E. J Hallet for accused.

Smith appeared in court with Heavily bandaged bead, and showed signs of much emotion. The court was crowded.

Smith, who gave her evidence seated, said slid was single and had known accused for two- years. Nuriii used to call at her house. Sometimes trier met accidentally and at other times designedly. She was not -sure'whether Nunn said his wife lmd gone, or he had lost her. He told her he’d one daughter at col'ege. Ho asked witness to marry him, but- she gave no definite reply. He said. that. litf’d get a divorce. They decided later to remain as friends, but ultimately stio told accused that they shouldn't sec each other. She did not see accused for a long time. At the next meeting, lie referred to witness keepingcompany with another man, and said, “Nobody else will get you.” He repeated the remark several limes, and added that he’d do away with himself. Witness remembered one occasion when Nunn asked her to marry him. l-'lu* got in his car, and' noticed be bad a gun. Witness refused the offer of marriage made on that, occasion. He said he would do away with himself that night, but later quietened. She seldom saw accused after that.

After a wedding on Easter Monday, she returned home, and later left for a party. She saw Nunn’s car in the neighbouring road. Later it passed the car she was in. About .'ope. n»;*‘ morning witness returned borne with a car loud of friends. The car drove away and witness beard Nunn’s voice as she approached the house. It was moonlight. She noticed that Nunn had a gun concealed behind him. Accused asked witness to marry him. She said. “No.” Nunn said, J’II shoot you, then.” She was unable to remember her reply. Nunn linked her to come into the car for a talk. She replied. “It was no good talking over it.” Witness moved away and dodged behind” a tree.. Accused chased her round it, with a gun in his hand, y\H r.il-.od it. Witness called “Father!” and ran towards the house. She heard a loud click and fL'report ■nd did not. remember what happened till she found herself lying on tne lawn. To Mr Hallet: Witness said that she knew accused was, exceedingly fond of her. He was always considerate. She never suspected he would wilfully harm her. . Reginald Eves gave evidence that

lie and others called for Miss Smith

to go to a party on the night of the alleged offence. lie saw Nunn's car

on a neighbouring road

Alfred Thomas Smith, lather ol the girl, stated that he was not at first aware of the acquaintance between his daughter and Nunn, but later Nunn asked witness’s leave to p.iy attention to bis daughter. lie said that be inj tended getting a divorce, but witness I and lri-s wife objected. Nunn appeared Ito be terribly upset. Witness knew that Nunn later brought bis daughter home several times. Witness bad warned Nunn several times and forbidden him to speak to her. Once Nunn said, T can’t live without her.” On the night of the alleged offence, he beard bis daughter screaming, “Dad, dad!” He ran out, followed by bis son-in-law, and beard a shot fired from the front of the house. He found her lying | bleeding on the grass, bill nobody in the grounds. FURTHER EVIDENCE. HASTINGS, April 30. In the Nunn case, a gun expert deposed that the shot which injured -Miss Smith was fired directly at her from a range of thiiteei yaids Other witnesses gave evidence as to seeing the accused walking up and down in the vicinity of Smith's house on Easier Monday evening, while Ins car was close handy, and another saw the car on Rnkowhni Road unattended at a quarter past twelve, and again at half past twelve. Dr Wilson described the wounds on the neck and back of .Miss Smith, who is progressing satisfactorily, but complaining of double vision. The accused’s housekeeper said she went to Otana wtli Nairn on Easter Monday, and while there, lie fired otic shot. but be got nothing. A neighbour deposed to bearing Nunn’s car come in at half past one j„ t ] k , moniiiig after Easter Monday.

4no case was adjourned to Salurdav. Rail was refused.