ANOTHER TRAGEDY

NZ Truth, Issue 781, 23 October 1920, Page 5

ANOTHER TRAGEDY

i Man Skot at Tokarima TELFER MEETS DEATH TO SAVE A PAL. Accused Arrested. Tet another fatal shooting affray has to be chronicled, the latest tragedy occurring- at Tokarima, near Taumartmui, on Thursday,- the 14th lnst., when Frank Telfer was shot, it .is alleged, by a man named William Anderson. Ever since the tragic occurrence search pai'ties had been scouring the country for Anderson, but though . his movements were somewhat confined, it was not until Saturday evening that the police secured him. On that afternoon word was sent to four Hindus working about two and a-half miles from the scene of the murder. Later, whilst the Hindus were having tea, Anderson entered the tent and inquired if tea was ready. On being invited to join them Anderson put his rifle In a corner of the tent, and when asked who he was, replied that he was a. constable, but later said he was a farmer and lived six miles away. One of the Hindus then picked up the rifle and seized Anderson by the coat. It is alleged that Anderson then said "Pleade give me ray gun and I will give you £5." They refused, and made him accompany them to a Mr. Oliver's whare, but while inside he seized a knife from beneath the bedclothes, and is said to have threatened the Hindus, who made off. Anderson then wended his way to Otunui and about 11 p.m. knocked at the door of Mr. Fleming's house. When the door was opened Anderson walked m, saying; "I am chucking it m. I don't wish to do you fellows any harm. I am

WET AND COLD and want to get a feed." He was given a mieal, and his clothes dried and word sent to the police. Constable McNamara duly arrived, and on Sunday morning Anderson was handcuffed, bound with ropes to a horse and then taken to Taumarunui. In his possession Anderson had £51, whilst his rifi© contained eight cartridges.

The story of the murder was told at the inquest, opened on Friday night, touching the death of Frank Telfer. .

Herbert Hedloy Loft said that he was at his brother's house on Thursday with relatives and others' when the window was thrown up from outside and: Anderson looked m, saying, "Hero I am; I am on the warpath. The police frGm Taumarunui are only about a-quarter of an hour behind me. What about some crib?" When asked to have soms tea Anderson said, "You don't get me into a trap." He was, given some food, but when witness got up to leave the room, Anderson said, " Don't leave the room ; I am m earnest." As witness walked towards the window Anderson said to witness's -brother, "I hear Jim, you have been the cause of my trouble and now I am going to blow your brains out." Jim asked, "What, going to blow my brains out?" Anderson had been raising the rifle, and Frank Telfer, who was nearest, made a spring -'• it. There was a report and Telfer fell groaning. Anderson then cleared. Geo. Loft said he paid Anderson off on October S. They left on good terms.

Lindsay C. Mackay, of Kakahi, said tint m Ma^ch last he borrowed a rifle from Herbert Loft, but on the morning of the murder Anderson railed lTnon. him. saying he had called for Loft's rifle, because he wished toshoot a coup^ of dogs that wer-o worrying sheep. Later m the day Anderson, who appeared quite rational, said, "I have just got a couple of things to shoot at- Jim left's," Dr. I-L Chee«eman, who examined deceased, said there was a bullet wound m the right side of the chest and the bullet i had evidently passed through the lung. At this stage the inquest was adjourned.