TOKORIMA TRAGEDY

Waihi Daily Telegraph, Volume XVIII, Issue 6059, 4 November 1920, Page 2

TOKORIMA TRAGEDY

TH£ CHARGE OF MUiPER ANDERSON BEFORE THE COURT. THE EVIDENCE. ißj Telegraph.—rr««* Jk«aociatiuu.< TAUMARUNUI, tins day. Ila the murder charge James Loft gav'a evidence that when the second shot was fired outside he recognised accused in the dark by the illumination of the rifle shot. "When accused firs*j raised the rifle at the window ha was four feet away. It was therefbre impossible for Telfor to grasp the rifle. The bu.Cet which killed Teller was a soft-nosed 30 3. There was 'no ill feeling botWoou witness and accused. Accused we'int to the maid's; room one night, but was turned dow ; .i, and ltiter the accused said that he was in love witili her. Witness said he had some complaint to make, but nothing more was said. Accused several limes threatened to "do Harland brothers in," but said he was afraid of the'rope. Herbert Loft corroborated his brother's evidence. Medical evidence was given by Dr., Checseman. Winnie Heffermen, Loft's domestic servant, deposed that when Anderson came ho said "All the police in Taumarunui are after me, but 1 wild get plenty of tiheiu before they get me." About two months ago accused walked into witness's bedroom about half-past four in the morniiug. She to'xl him to get out, and after a few moments' hesitation h e weUt. Witness complained to Mrs Loft, Lionel George Morris, engineer, cf Prankton, gave corroborative evidence of the shooting. He was near the gun when it was fired, but did Inot see the discharge. He was not sure whether it was TelfVi' or James Loft who was killed till afterwards. He thought hq saw someone fall, and rushed to the telephone in the passage. He thought he ha.d \wen shot at himself, beifig taken in mistake for a policeman. Alfred George Loft gave evidence regarding eleven bottles of wihisky which o n October 6(b Anderson brought to the farm, saying he had stolon it from Ohnra. Witness got him the cost with him and pay for the whisky. Witness, accused, .and three others cut seven bottle-; out in two days. Witness dad lifted accused's share from his wages, and paid him £oS. Th c case was adjourned till to-day.