FATAL FIGHT.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18897, 12 January 1927, Page 11

FATAL FIGHT.

♦ FREEZING WORKERS QUARREL. CHARGE OF MURDER. (DRESS ASSOCIAIIOH TELEUKAU.) '- GISBORNE. January 11. A sequel to the alleged altercation between freezing workers was heard in the .Magistrate's Court to-day, when Uanict YYolscley AleMinn was charged with uiurcleriiiy Hubert Cecil Thclwell, of Gishorne, aged -S. Mr K. C. Levey, S.M.. sat in joint position as .Magistrate and Coroner. Inspector Ecelcs stated that deceased ■eft an "hotel'tit 6'o'clock," being then sober. Accused call Ho him' from'the opposite .side of the street and alight ensued, deceased being struck a violent blow on the face, and' falling back on the footpath. ' Thelwejl was supposed to have started tho quarrel. Evidence was then called to show that deceased was not addicted to drink and left the hotel in a 'state'of sobriety. Describing the affray which led .to Thehvell's death', John Roderick, a witness in the Magistrate's). Court, said" Tliehvell struck the first blow, saying to accused, "How do you like'that?" 'Until he had been struck several times ou the face accused had not retaliated. Then McMinn hit. Thclwell under the chin and I'ie fell backwards. • Accused also was sober. Medical evidence' was 1 hat deceased received a fractured skiill.' The skull was abnormally thin. Further evidence of eye-witnesses was that the men were striking wildly at one another. • , Detective McLeod produced a statement from accused, which stated that Tliehvell .struck him without provocation and ho endeavoured to avoid the b'ows.; having no reason to fight, aa they always had been good friends. After backing awav. he had finally-to defend himself, and .hit. Tliehvell on the jaw. with the result that he fell back-, wards. ■■• ■ .\censed was committed for trial on bail of £2OO. ' • " j

Tbo Magistrate, as coroner, cave a verdict in accordance with Ihu medical testimony.'