AFFRAY AT A FOUNDRY

Southland Times, Issue 18933, 21 September 1920, Page 5

AFFRAY AT A FOUNDRY

DEATH OF PRITCHARD. YOUNG MAN CHARGED WITH MANSLAUGHTER. (Per United Press Association.) GISBORNE, September 20. Harry Pritchard whose depositions in connection with the alleged assault in a foundry were taken on Friday , died in the hospital. Alexander Roderick Mcßae 'Williamson, aged 21, was charged at (he Police Court with the manslaughter of Harry Pritchard, and was remanded till September 24.

INQUEST ON PRITCHARD

GISBORNE, September 20,

An inquest was hold to-day concerning the death of Harry Pritchard, in connection with which Alexander Rae Roderick Williamson was this morning remanded on a charge of manslaughter. Evidence was given that Pritchard returned home at, M o’clock on September 3 with the side of his head swollen. Dr Scott was called in (wo days later and Pritchard was removed to the Hospital on September 13. Or Scol.f gave evidence that Pritchard complained that he could not sleep as the result of a blow on the head. Witness found an extensive blow on the temple. Last Tuesday Pritchard said the pains in his head were almost, unbearable, and witness ordered his removal to the Hospital. As Ihe result of a post-mortem witness considered that the cause of death was due to irritation of the. brain which existed only in a very small degree and would not in itself cause death. The immediate cause of death was hemorrhage due to a later injury to the brain caused by (he edge of the fracture. The- injuries might, have been the result of a blow or falling on iron. Employees at Niven’s foundry gave evidence that an apprentice named Charles chaffed Pritchard and Pritchard struck Charles, who defended himself. After a scuffle troth fell. Pritchard said to Charles, “Both you and your cobber want a hiding.” The “cobber” was Williamson. Williamson and Pritchard fought and Pritchard was knocked down. One witness said that after the fight Pritchard remarked: “I got a crack that time. I don’t know whether it is the effect of Rae hitting me or me hitting the, ground, hut my head feels sore.” The police evidence showed that Williamson admitted knocking Pritchard down. He said: “1 got on to Pritchard for striking a boy named Charles. Pritchard shaped up and made a rush and attempted to strike me hut missed, and I struck him a right cross on the jaw. He got up .ami rushed me, and caught me by the thigh. A foreman came up and separated us.” The Coroner found the following verdict: “Deceased. Harry Pritchard, died on Peptemher IS from cerebral pressure the result of hemorrhage on (he brain, and this injury is traceable to a blow struck on deceased’s, head by Alexander Williamson during a quarrel at Niven's foundry on Friday, September 3.”