SHOOTING AFFAIR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25800, 22 March 1945, Page 7

SHOOTING AFFAIR

EVIDENCE IN ROXBURGH CASE

The evidence of a number of witnesses was heard in the Magistrate’s Court at Roxburgh on Tuesday, when Maximilian Harliwich was charged with having discharged a shotgun at James George Williamson with intent to do him grievous bodily harm. The case was heard before Mr A. E. Dobbie, S.M. Chief Detective T. Y. Hall appeared for the police, and Mr O. G. Stevens for the accused. After medical testimony had beengiven by Dr J. R. Gilmour, of Roxburgh, George William Cairns and Sylvia Ray Williamson gave evidence concerning a party which had been held in the Coal Creek Hall and had terminated about 1 a.m. on March 3. James G. Williamson, an orchardist, said he had gone with others to the accused’s home in order to invite the accused to a party at witness’s house. The accused refused to go. A disturbance followed, which, witness said, commenced as a friendly wrestle. The accused allegedly lost his temper and threatened to shoot witness. The accused then went into another building and returned with a double-barrelled gun, which, after loading, he discharged at witness. After the discharge of the first shot witness felt an injury in the, right eyebrow. The wound was not serious. Jeannie May Harris, a land girl, also described what she had seen of the disturbance. Robin Clifford Bennetts said he had seen the scuffle, and after the discharge of the gun he had seized the weapon from the accused. He then took the gun to the Roxburgh police. Evidence was also given by Constable C. J. Crawford, of Roxburgh, and by Detective Sergeant J. Gibson. The accused was committed to the Supreme Court at Dunedin’ for trial, bail being allowed in his own recognisance of £IOO and one surety of £IOO. He was also ordered to report twice a week to the police.