'SHOOTING A WIFE

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19679, 12 September 1935, Page 7

'SHOOTING A WIFE

LABOURER CHARGED. HEARING OF EVIDENCE. ANOTHER MAN IN CASE. (By Telegraph.—Press Association). PALMERSTON N., Thursday. Before Justices of the Peace today, Manley Symes, labourer, aged 22, of Pahlatua, was oharged that on July 24, at Te Matal, Palmerston North, with Intent to do grievous bodily harm, he wounded his wife, Elsie Elizabeth Symes. A charge of assault so as to cause aotual bodily harm was withdrawn.

In evidence, Mrs Symes said she had been married about 18 months and had cne child. In July she had come to Te Matai on holiday. Prior to her marriage she had known a man named Campbell, who had been a captain in the Salvation Army at Pahiatua. Campbell was also known to her husband. He now resided at Palmerston North with his wife and family. While witness was at Te Matai, Campbell had taken her out twice on his grocery round in a car. Accused had objected. On one occasion Campbell visited them after tea and a conference was held, at which Campbell told accused he loved his wife. After Campbell had gone, witness found her husband in the pantry with a pea-rifle. He threatened to shoot himself and witness took the rifle and told him not to be silly. A Bedside Conference. On July 24, Campbell called about noon. Accused was in bed ill. Campbell and witness sat on the bed beside accused. Campbell held witness’ hand. Witness could see by accused’s demeanour that lie objected. Accused got up and had a shave about 3 p.m. Witness, Campbell and others had afternoon tea and witness and Campbell went in the latter’s car at the request of Campbell, who wanted to show her a letter. About an hour later witness saw her husband coming out of the back porch with a rifle. lie ordered witness to get out of the car. Witness did so and Campbell too. Accused walked backwards. Campbell was behind witness. Accused said: “You coward, hiding behind a woman's skirt.” Campbell then rushed round towards accused. Then witness felt something hit ner In the stomaoh and heard the report of a rifle. Witness next heard acoused and Campbell fighting. (Proceeding.)