THE STABBING CASE ON BOARD THE H. J LIBBY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 662, 31 October 1884, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE STABBING CASE ON BOARD THE H. J LIBBY.

A COUNTER CHARGE. (united press association.) Christchurch, October 24. At Lyttelton Resident Magistrate’s Court to-day, P. McCarthy, seaman of the American barque H. J. Libby, was charged with stabbing Captain C. W. Richardson on the voyage from New York. Prosecutor was allowed to sit while giving his evidence, and accused was carried into Court and placed on two chairs, having apparently not regained use of his legs. The Bench decided to grant the request made on behalf of the American Consul that the accused be detained in safe keeping till the Consul-General ordered him to be transported to America for trial there. Captain Richardson was then charged on the information of McCarthy with inflicting on him grievous bodily harm with intent to murder him. McCarthy stated that when he was at the wheel on the night of October 1 he spoke back to the mate, who then struck him several times

on the head with a belaying piD. He alleges that he stabbed the captain in self-defence, and was then and afterwards, till arrival here, treated with great cruelty, from which he has not recovered. The BeDch decided that they had no jurisdiction, and dismissed the information. Mr Ollivier, R.M., would make no order of detention of the captain, but in answer to McCarthy® counsel, promised .to communicate with the Government re sending witnesses to America..