A DRUNKEN MAN'S FREAK.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXII, Issue 12463, 14 May 1908, Page 5

A DRUNKEN MAN'S FREAK.

Fires a Revolver at his Wife.

(Per United Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, May 13. Daniel Kennedy came up on remand this afternoon charged with the attempted murder of hie wife Olive, on the afternoon of Tuesday, May sth, by shooting at her with a revolver.

Olive Kennedy, wife of the accused, said that she had been married 23 years last April, having arrived twelve months agp from Brisbane (Queensland), where they were married. Her husband was a lithographer, and had been addicted to periodical bouts of drinking, but up to Saturday, May 2nd>, had been fairly sober for some time. On that day he was very abusive, and told her that it was her last day on earth. The following day »he pointed a revolver at her, and before she had time to grasp her husband's hand the weapon went off, its bullet going over her head.

Witness' son said he did not think his father had made a serious attempt to take his mother's life. His father was all right so long as he left drink alone. After further evidence the Magistrate said he would consider whether he would commit Kennedy to the Supreme Court for trial or deal with him summarily.

In the chargs of attempting to murder his wife, preferred against Daniel Kennedy, Mr Kettle, S.M., suggested that the charge be reduced to one of common assault.

Sub-Indpector Hendry was not ouite prepared to take this course, saying the 6hooting was evidently premeditated. He thought the man's heart probably failed him at the last moment. Mrs Kennedy was frightened that her husband would shoot her, and was prepared to take the risk, but it was not fair to ask her to do so. The Magistrate said it was for the Crown to decide, and adjourned the case for consideration of the question. He did not think a jury would find a verdict of guilty on the evidence.