SENSATIONAL STATEMENT

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12723, 19 February 1910, Page 3

SENSATIONAL STATEMENT

was put in, in which the accused alleged that he was coerced by certam Maoris and practically had to take a hand in the affair under the pam ot death. He states that he met some Maoris, one of whom said the object was to waylay tho bank officials, and that if he "did not assitt them on Tuesday he would be ft dead man.. This was some days previous to the eighth. Paull alleges he did not tire the shot which struck Mr Jordan, but that a Maori did, who afterwards went away. The police evidence, however, shows that all endeavours to find the Maoris said to be implicated were fruitless. The evidence of several witnesses goes'to show that no Maoris or others were about at the time Paull was seen. The evidenco of the doctor states that between 8 or 9 shots struck Mr Jordan, some of which are still embedded. He is suffering from facial paralysis. Mr McDiarmid, on behalf of the accused, said no plea, would be entered at this stage. Chief Detective Marsacy said it was necessary to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. Mr McDiarmid still contended that ho need enter no plea, and this, being acceptedj tho accused was committed for trial to the Supreme Court sitting at Hamilton on the 28th inst.