MYRTLE LONG GUILTY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 105, 6 May 1933, Page 6

MYRTLE LONG GUILTY

RECOMMENDATION TO MERCY EXTREME PROVOCATION IMPORTANCE OF THE VERDICT [Per Press Association. ] CHRISTCHURCH, Alay 5. “It has been said that this case i« of lhe greatest importance to ths parties concerned. I agree, but it H of much more importance to the general public of New Zealand for, from sour verdict to-day, it will go forth from Christchurch whether a person can fuoot another who refuses to leave his or her house when requested,” said His Honour, Air. Justice AlacGrcgor, when summing up to the jury in the Supreme Court to-day at the conclu 1 sion of the trial of Myrtle Long os a charge of discharging a revolver at Arthur Denry Way on March 25, with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The Cose was heard first yesterday, but the ;,ury disagreed and a new trial was ordered. This took place to-day, and ai’icr a retirement of 75 minutes, the jury returned with a verdict of guilty, wi.'h a strong recommendation to mercy on account of extreme provocation and mental distress. The jury also suggested that Airs. Long should be ia some way protected from further n.c .estation by the witness Way. Giving evidence under cross-examina-tion, Way refused to answer a ques tion concerning an 1.0. U. for £42. He claimed privilege. He denied that ho had been under the influence of liquor on Alarch 25.

Questioned by counsel for accused as to his return to the Cashmere Hills house on the Alonday following the shooting, Way said. “1 went back to find out what had happened and the detectives caught me and charged me with being a rogue and a vagabond and I got lourteen days on top of five .’-hots, and my business was broken up and my home broken up. Oh, I’m tha injured party all right. Aly credit has gone after all the Press reports.” Counsel: “Perhaps it Is just as well.”

Outlining the case for the Crown, tho Crown Prosecutor said It was quite simple Tho accused had fired five shots at Way, intending to hit him, and theie could be no answer to tho Crown’s cf.se. It was important, however, th it poisons should not have the protection of the jury’s verdict when they used revolvers in such circumstances.

His Honour, referring to Way in his summ’ng up, said: “Way is a worthless creature, who sponged on the woman for years and made her life a misery, but that does not excuse tho lt might in some of tho Westen states of America, but not here. What conclusion would you have C ’me to had the woman shot the man in tho heart instead of the arm? You might accompany your verdict with a recommendation to mercy and I will act upon it,” he continued. “No doubt, you share with me tho feeling of disgust at the conduct of the man Way, but that cannot be allowed to stand in tho way of justice.” The prisoner was remanded for sentence uni.il Alonday. Bail as formerly was renewed.