A TRAIN SENSATION

Hokitika Guardian, 20 January 1917, Page 1

A TRAIN SENSATION

Guard Shot At[p*B PBESS ASSOCIATION. COPTWGKT.) TE KUITI Jan. 19. A man named William Richards, an engine-driver working near Tailiape, boar,ded the train at Taumaranui. Guard Duncan, checking the tickets, found that Richards had none and advised him that lie, would lie fineu sixpence. Richards strongly objected, bTit eventually paid the fine and settled into his seat. Some time after 'iaumaranui was passed he walked on to the platform of the carriage and loaning over fired into the carriage lie had just left with an automatic revolver, the shot narrowly escaping a lady passenger. The guard rung for tlie police at Te Kniti, and Sergeant Eele.s mot tlie train at Te Kuiti.

Tlie guard pointed to tho man, and the Sergeant asked that an interview bo hold in the station yard. The Sergeant said that a police officer was gofng to search the man. The Sergeant closed, and in a violent struggle Richards tired at. the Sergeant and missed. Assistance was called from civilians and Richards was placed in the lockup. He appeared before Mr Rawson, S.M., on a charge of discharging a loaded revolver at Sergeant Eccles wirn intent to do grievous bodily barm, and was remanded for eight days. Bail was not granted. Other charges ?re pending.

Labor Moves LONDON, Jan. 19. The Agricultural Union threatens action if Mr Protliqro (Minister of Agriculture)' carries out his intention to draft into battalions C 3 men to wont the land, replacing men lit for more active military, service. The Trades Union Congress to-day decided to protest to the War Office reminding it of its earlier promise time soldiers in civilian occupation would receive civilian pay and not bo su injected to military control.