TRAGEDY AT SEA

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXXIV, Issue 3, 25 October 1924, Page 6

TRAGEDY AT SEA

"WITNESS’ SURPRISE AT INQUEST.

PIN DINK OF MURDER.

Newcastle. October 13

There was a sensational development to-day at the coroner’s inquest held by Mr 0. Kibble concerning the stabbing of John Jacob, a negro fiieman on the steamer Treworlas, while the vessel was, on Tuesday last, en route from Ocean Island to Newcastle. Modi Doran, an Indian, had been arrested and charged with murder, and was remanded at Newcastle Court on Saturday.

“FIGHT WITH KNIFE.”

Hakim Khan’s evidence was to the effect that Jacob told Doran to put the knife aay. an,} he would light him with fists. Doran replied. “I am not your match to light you with my hands, but I will light you with my knife,” and stabbed Jacob three times in the right side, using his left hand. ' Jacob threw Doran down, and while he was holding him down Abdul Hamid came behind and stabbed him In the back four times. Jacob rose to his feet, and staggered away yelling. Dorai) ~gnd Kami,} threw their knives overboard.

Hamid, through,the interpreter, said Doran and the other two witnesses had conspired to fasten the blame on him. ■

Both Doran and Hamid were informed by the coroner that they would have an opportunity to fully state the grounds of their defence, and were committed on a. charge of wilful murder at the Central Criminal Court at Sydney on November 22.