The Hutt Tragedy

Feilding Star, Volume XII, Issue 46, 2 October 1890, Page 2

The Hutt Tragedy

[PBB FBESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, This Daj. Aft the inquest on the body , of Thomas James Smith, who was stabbed to .death at the alleged affray with Chinamen on Monday night, wag held, this morning before Mr Robinson, district coroner. The evidence of Dr Wilford showed that the wounds were inflicted on the deceased by a very sharp instrument, one on the outside of the left knee and two on the left arm. The wound below the knee severed the popliteal, artery, and death was caused by the excessive flow of blood frpm this wound. The fact of Smith being in illhealth did not in anyway hasten his death. The Dr was of opinion the blow on the. leg was not intended t6 cause death, as it was only by the slightest Chance the artery was severed. .... .. V' . Hobbs, one of the participants in th^ fight stated ; that on Monday evening h* and two others threw stones on the Chinamen's hut. They returned to the town* ship, and at about eleven o'clock several other young fellows joined them, -„&. again visited the hut, which they assailed with stones. Three Chinamen rushed out from behind a gorse fence, and the lads took to their heels. The deceased was I lagging behind, the Chinamen soon made | up to him, and as he called for help Hobbs returned to his assistance. One China* man was holding Smith by the neok and one by the legs, and both Chinamen had knives in their hands. Witness distinctly saw one Chinaman stab deceased in the arm and once in leg. This witness could not identify the. Chinamen in custody on the charge of murder. The other young men then returned t* the attack, and witness saw one Chinaman knocked down by a rail being thrown at him. The rap was about XI feet long and i'.ft inches thick. The weatfoit ! used ' b£- the C^unanien wi^d^^Bil^: