WOMAN CHARGED

Stratford Evening Post, Volume II, Issue 219, 12 April 1933, Page 5

WOMAN CHARGED

SHOOTING AFFRAY J Committed for Trial - } CHRISTCHURCH CASE Press Association. —Copyright. Christchurch, April 11.—Myrtle Long, married, aged forty-five, was to-day committed to the Supreme Court for trial on a charge that on March 25 with intent to do grievous bodily harm she discharged a loaded revolver at Arthur Henry Way, salesman. When Mrs. Long first appeared she was charged with attempted murder, but to-day the police offered no evidence on this charge, which was accordingly dismissed, and the other charge was substituted. Mrs. Long is an American by birth. Way gave evidence that he had been employed by Mrs. Long as a salesman and had frequently to visit her at her house at Cashmere to discuss business transactions. When he called on March 25 there was a dispute about the house and a heated argument followed.

He did not remember what happened exactly. The shooting was so sudden he could not remember anything about it. Mrs. Long had not previously threatened to shoot him. One bullet lodged in his left forearm and another struck him slightly on the shoulder. He went to hospital, where the bullet was removed.

Way still owed Mrs. Long some money. He frequently received goods from her to sell and during the past two years had sold for her about £2OO worth. Other witnesses gave evidence as to hearing an altercation and shots at Mrs. Long’s house. The revolver had five empty shells and one live cartridge in it. Detective-Sergeant O’Brien produced a statement by Mrs. Long in which she stated her husband resided at Wellington. Until three years ago he used to own the Home Supply Co., Christchurch, but the business went into liquidation. Three years ago she met Way when helping in her husband’s business. He told her he could give her valuable information which would help her to obhin a divorce from her husband. He borrowed money fr®m her, about £2OO in the three years.

When she refused to give him money Way said he would tell her husband that he had been living with her. On a previous occasion he had to be removed from her house by the police. He returned and threatened to cut her throat.

On March 25 he showed signs of liquor. She ordered him out. He refused to go and asked her to lend him £ls to buy out his partner. She got him out and closed the door. He kicked at the door and she threatened to shoot him. She went upstairs to her room for the revolver she kept fully loaded in fear of Way. She went down to the door and | told him she had a revolver and would shoot him. She opened the dor and fired a number of shots at him. She did not intend to Jcill him but to make him go out of her life. If she went to gaol it would not be worse than her [ home while this man was visiting her. There was no intimacy between them. - Mrs. Long was admitted to bail on her own surety of S2OO and on a surety of £2OO.

Way pleaded not guilty to being found without lawful excuse on premises occupied by Mrs. Long and to being an idle and disorderly person having insufficient means of support. His case was adjourned. Bail of £2O was allowed.