DUNEDIN TRAGEDY

Southland Times, Issue 19435, 26 December 1924, Page 6

DUNEDIN TRAGEDY

BRUTAL ASSAULT ALLEGED ELDERLY MAN DIES IN HOSPITAL BROTHERS ARRESTED ON MINOR CHARGE. Concerning the affray at the corner of St. Andrew street and Cumberland street, Dunedin, on Tuesday, further details reveal the gravity of the occurrence. A man, at first unidentified, received injuries which, it is alleged, caused his death in the Dunedin Hospital shortly afterwards. The body was later identified as that of John James Ryan, a labourer, aged 53, who has been working for the Public Works Department in various parts of Otago for the past twelve years. An inquest was opened at the Dunedin Hospital on Wednesday morning, Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M., sitting as Coroner. After hearing evidence of identification and the medical evidence, proceedings were adjourned sine die. BROTHERS ARRESTED. Two brothers—Albert Norman Sutherland (23) and Philip Gordon Sutherland (21)—have been detailed by the police in connection with the affair. The older man was (as he himself said), released from Mount Eden Prison last Tuesday week after serving a term of imprisonment on another charge. The police supply only meagre details of the affray. It is stated that the unfortunate victim of the occurrence accidentally bumped into one of the Sutherlands. It is alleged that the latter instantly knocked him down and kicked him about the body, and it is stated that there was eye-witnesses of the affair. A small boy ran to the Fire Brigade Station at about 7.30 p.m. and reported that a man was lying on the footpath badly injured. The ambulance motor was despatched, and the man was taken to the hospital. He was admitted shortly before 8 o’clock, but his injuries were such that he died just afterwards. The police were notified of the affair, and a bright look-out was kept for the two men, who, in the meantime, had disappeared. They were found at about 40 o’clock in St. Andrew street, and were taken into custody on a charge of fighting with each other at about 6 o’clock at the corner of St. Andrew and George streets. STREET BRAWL. The two men were seen to dash aboard a Normanby tram at 6 o’clock on Tuesday night at Rattray street. The tram was already in motion when the two rushed out from the footpath, and, after a short run, boarded it. The older man was pulled aboard by a passenger, and the younger man (whose hand was bandaged, and whose nose showed evidence of a fray) swung on behind him. They talked in loud voices and their conversation was plainly audible to many of the passengers in the open portion of the tram. The older of the two was stating that he had served two years in prison, and from the conversation it appeared that he was denying having hit someone else with a beer bottle. The other man evidently considered from the tone of his brother that he was insinuating something, and by mutual consent the two got off at St. Andrew street.

“Have a go at me,” said the younger man, after taking a hasty drink at the water fountain by the corner. The other went up to say something to him, but was repulsed with a wild swipe that knocked his hat off his head. He returned to the fray, and tried to grab his opponent round the middle. Much wild punching followed. The crowd on the tram, which during this time was stopped at the comer, was greatly tickled at the sight. A loud guffaw went up from the male passengers as the car moved off. THE MEN IN COURT. As a result of the affray with each other the two men appeared in the Police Court, Dunedin, on Wednesday morning before Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M., charged with fighting in St. Andrew street last jpight. The older of the two —Albert Norman Sutherland, aged twenty-three—appeared first. Chief-Detective Lewis asked for a remand till Saturday. It was necessary, he s|id, to have 'some inquiries made concerning this man in regard to another matter that had occurred. Philip Gordon Sutherland then appeared. The Chief Detective asked for a remand also in this case. The Magistrate: What is the reason for the application? Chief-Detective Lewis said it was alleged that another man was struck and kicked, and he had died in the hospital as a result of that. It was alleged that at least one of the Sutherlands was engaged in that affair. The man was taken to the hospital in an unconscious condition, and died as a result of the kick or injury he received. The Magistrate (to the accused) : What do you do for a living? The older accused said he had just been released from Mount Eden Prison last Tuesday week. The other man said he was a horse driver. The Magistrate said he proposed to grant the remand asked for by the police. “Is there any bail sir?” asked the younger accused. Chief-Detective Lewis: It would possibly interfere with the ends of justice if that application were granted. It is only a short remand, and I don’t think any hardship is inflicted. 'The Magistrate: If any information comes to the police releasing either or both of the accused on any other charge, the matter will have to be brought before the Court at once. Bail will be refused in the meantime. INQUEST OPENED. At the inquest on the victim, Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M., sitting as Coroner, heard evidence of identification and medical testimony as to the cause of death. Chief-Detective Lewis represented the police. Evidence was given by Thomas Joseph O’Sullivan, a labourer, residing at 13 Surrey street. He said that he knew' deceased as Jack Ryan. He worked with him at Chatto Creek and Catlins River. He had worked with him on and off for about fourteen years. As far as he knew Ryan was a single man. He understood that he was going to work at Tarras. Dr Champtaloup, house surgeon, Dunedin Hospital, said that deceased was admitted about 7.40 p.m. on Tuesday. He was then in a state of extreme collapse, almost pulseless. He was taken to the casuality ward, and witness administered a stimulant and commenced a hurried examination, but the patient died before it was completed. The examination revealed a contused wound about 3in behind the ear. There was no haemorrhage from the ears, nose, or mouth. There was some bloodstains on his undergarments which could not be accounted for by the presence of any wound. To the Coroner: There was a certain amount of haemorrhage from the wound behind the ear. Constable Harvey said that he identified the body as that of John James Ryan. He had known the deceased for the last twelve years. He was a labourer, fiftythree years of age, and came from England. For years past he had worked for the Public Works Department in the Beaumont, Catlins, and other districts. He did not know whether the deceased was married or not. At this stage the inquest was adjourned sine die.