THE SPRINGSTON AFFRAY

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14776, 15 October 1921, Page 5

THE SPRINGSTON AFFRAY

(WAIN EEFORE THE MAGiSTRATE. AN EYE-WITNESS' EVIDENCE. (By Telecrnph.—Press Association)CHRJSTCHURCH, Friday. The hearing of the attempted murder charge against .lames Scott Main was resumed to-day. This is the outcome of the recent affray at Springston, when two men named McEvedy and Nut tall were wounded, the former in the wrist and thigh and the latter on the hand. Robert Johnston, a traveller, grave evidence, llial lie was staying at the Springston Hotel on I lie nigh) of the affray, and lie was awakened by a motor car pulling u\i at the front, door. An argument started, and a woman's voice asked a man named "Ted" to get into the car and come away. The person addressed refused, saying that he was "going |,O have il out with Itiis scotch —." Witness heard Ihe scot (.Main) asked to come nut.and fight, and saw Main put his foot through the motorcar lamp and warn the others to keep back or he would shoot the lot. He heard three shots fired in quick suc-

cession. Witness then went downstairs and saw a person who had been shot lying on the ground, and two or three men holding .Main. The latter got away and rode off on a motor cycle. He appeared to be fairly sober by the way he mounted. One woman said, "For Cod's sake don't let the police know of this; we want to keep it quiet." Mrs Harris (licensee o* the Springston Hotel) gave evidence that Main arrived at the hotel at three or four o'clock, had two or three beers, and later lea. He said he had had family trouble and would stay the night. Main went In bed. when he appeared normal. She saw .Main put his fool through fhe motor car lamp and heard someone ask him to put a revolver away. Witness ran back under the verandah and heard shots fired.

The Magistrate said the evidence led him lo believe there was no intention tii kill on the part of accused, but to frighten and hit, and thus disable, lie reduced the charge from attempting to murder to discharging a firearm with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The accused pleaded not guilty, reserved his defence, and was committed for trial. Bail was allowed.