Fireman’s Injuries

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 279, 25 November 1939, Page 2

Fireman’s Injuries

USE OF KNIFE ALLEGED Arising out of an incident on an overseas vessel at Auskland on Saturday evening, John Reilly, greaser, aged 52, appeared before Mr. J. Morling, S.M., in the Auckland Police Court yesterday charged with assaulting a ship's fireman, Charles Hunter, so as to cause actual bodily harm. Detective-Sergeant Aplin prosecuted, Mr. Aekins represented the accused, and Mr. Allan J. Moody was present on behalf of the master and owners of the ship. Mr. Alpin said Hunter had been stabbed with a knife about tho chest and faco about 0 p.m. on Saturday. Hunter was not available to give evidence, as he was in hospital suffering from his injuries. William Lctham, trimmer, said a row started between Hunter and Crcrar, Hunter punching tho latter four or five times about the face. When tho row was nearly over accused came in and told Hunter to quieten down, witness added. Accused and witness then left the cabin, Hunter following and saying that ho was going to kill everybody on the ship. Witness did not see anyono with the knife. To Mr. Aekins, witness recalled an argument in a hotel earlier when Hunter smashed a glass and tried to smash it into the face of another member of tho crew. Witness said he was stopped and admitted that Hunter was looking for trouble at that early stage. When accused left tho cabin with witness ho went to his own cabin, witness added. Ho hcared Hunter threaten to “murder” and “kill' Reilly. On leaving tho mess room he recalled hearing Reilly shout something to tho effect: “Look out, he’s got a knife." Whether Hunter had a knife or not ho did not know, but he saw him make a lunge at accused, who knocked him down. Hunter was “mad drunk.” He did not see accused with a knife that day.

Mr. Aplin applied for a remand until December 4, when it was hoped Hunter would bo able to give evidence. Tho remand was granted, but an application by Mr. Aekins for bail was refused.