DRAMA IN THE BUSH

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 6 August 1945, Page 3

DRAMA IN THE BUSH

WOUNDING OF MAORI Rotorua, August 2. A Maori, Henry Reginald Edwards, aged 60, married, with eight children, was charged in the Rotorua Police Court to-day with attempting to murder Daniel Christopher McDonald, also a Maori, by shooting, at Rerewhakaitu °n # 28th June. Messrs A. W. Downer and A. L .Keith, J.P.’s, were on the Bench. Mr J. D. Davys appeared for accused. Detective-Sergeant A. J. White said McDonald had been employed by accused to split posts at a bush camp 10 miles from the latter’s home at Pokohu, on the Tarawera River. Edwards’ two daughters, Elizabeth, aged 20, and Ada, aged 17, went with McDonald, the idea being that the elder girl should act as cook for the camp. The domestic arrangements did not appeal to the younger girl, who went home. Following this, accused and his wife remonstrated with McDonald and endeavoured without avail to persuade the older girl to return with them. Mr White related what was said to have occurred on 28th June, when members of the Edwards family again attempted to intervene between McDonald and their daughter. McDonald was alleged to have threatened the younger girl, Ada, with a hunting knife. Edwards was alleged to have deliberately discharged a rifle at McDonald with the idea of incapacitating him and protecting the girl. On the following morning McDonald was removed to hospital by a police party and accused was taken into custody. Accused pleaded not guilty and was committed for trial. Counsel again raised the question of bail, which had previously been the subject of a decision by Mr S. L. Paterson, S.M. The justices said they were not prepared to accept the responsibility of granting the request.