MANSLAUGHTER CASE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19539, 25 March 1926, Page 6

MANSLAUGHTER CASE

YOUNG TAIHAPE MAN CHARGED COMMITTED FOR TRIAL The case in which William Martin Collins, a young Taihape farmer, was charged with manslaughter in respect of a Maori named Haerq Puru resulted in the accused being committed for trial by Mr R. Al. Watson, S.AI. Evidence for the prosecution was given by Constable Genaghty and Sergeant O’Neill, each of whom stated that he had visited the scene of the accident in Hautapu Street on the night of March 1. They detailed the slate in which they found the deceased. As the result of information received they next morning interviewed the laccused, who immediately admitted that he had knocked down the deceased while riding out of town. When asked why he did not report the matter accused replied that he thought the Native’s injuries did not warrant such procedure. Accused made and signed ti statement. Air J. Al. Hussey, who appeared for accused, did not address the Court, but asked if a prima facie case had been established. The Alagistrate replied in the affirmative and accordingly accused, who pleaded not guilty, w r as committed to the Supreme Court for trial. Bail was allowed as previously, in two sureties of £lOO each and his own £lOO. The Coroner, Air J. P. Aldridge, returned the following verdict concerning the death of Haere Puru: “That deceased met his death as the result of injuries sustained through being knocked down by a horse ridden by William Alarton Collins.’’