THE FATAL AFFRAY WITH CHINESE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXIV, Issue 9246, 29 October 1890, Page 2

THE FATAL AFFRAY WITH CHINESE.

[frost our own correspondent.] WELLINGTON, Oct. 1. In the matter of the murder at the Hutt, the young men whose companion was unfortunate enough to lose his life, freely admit to-day that they have given the Chinamen considerable provocation; and constantly similar treatment is accorded to the Chinese in various parts of Wellington. [Per Press Association.! Oct. 2. An inquest on the body of Thomas James Smith, who was stabbed to death in the alleged affray with Chinamen on Monday night, was held this morning before Mr Robinson, District Coroner. The evidence of Dr Wilford showed that three wounds were inflicted on deceased by a very sharp instrument, one on the outside of the left knee, and two on the left arm. The blow on the knee severed the popliteal artery and death was caused by the excessive flow of blood from this wound. The fact of Smith being in illhealth did not in any way hasten his death. The doctor was of opinion that the blow on the leg was not intended to cause death, as it was only by the slightest chance the artery was severed. Hobbs, one of the participants in the affray, recounted the events leading up to the fight, from which it appears that ho and three others went to the Chinamen's huts early on Monday evening, aad, having thrown a few stones on the roof from the road, retreated, followed by two Chinamen, who, however, did not then offer any violence. Later in the evening several other young fellows joined them, and a band of seven again visited the Chinamen's huts, which they assailed with stones. There was no response for some time, but, after a few more lodged, three Chinamen ran out from behind a gorao fence near the huts, and the lads at once took to their heels. Deceased lagged behind, and the Chinamen soon, made up to him and shoved him on to the side of the ro .d. Witness then heard deceased cry, “ Stop; they are sticking me," and he at once ran back to his assistance. When he reached him. Smith was. on the ground, one Chinaman holding him round the neck and another across his legs. Witness, seeing that both the Chinamen had knives in their hands, struck the one holding Smith's neck, the weapon used being a willow stick. Ho distinctly saw this man stab Smith in the arm, and also noticed the Chinaman, who held Smith by the stab him in the leg. As witness struck the Chinaman he let go of deceased, and ran at him (witness) with a knife. He could not swear to the identity of the two Chinamen in custody on the charge of murder. The other young men had by this time come up, and witness saw one Chinaman knocked down by a rail thrown at him. The evidence of the other lads who were present when Smith met his death, showed that all of the party were sober.

The Jury, after three-quarters of an hour’s deliberation, brought in a verdict of “ Wilful murder ” against Sam Koy, Pom Hung and Yung Bin. A rider was added calling the attention of the authorities to the larrikinism existing at the Hutt. The Coroner committed the men for trial at the nest sittings of the Supreme Court. Two of the accused were brought into town tonight and lodged in gaol. The third, Sam Koy, who was severely knocked about in the row, is still in the hospital. Oct. G. The police have decided to prosecute the youths who took part in the stone-throwing at the Chinamen’s hnfc, at Lower Hutt, which led to the death of the young man Smith. The charge will probably be that of stone-throwing and molesting. Oct. 21. The charge of stone throwing against the six youths at the Hutt was dismissed, on technical grounds, and without prejudice.