“A BIG FIGHT.”

Hokitika Guardian, 21 May 1920, Page 3

“A BIG FIGHT.”

THE WANGANUI SENSATION

WELLINGTON, Alay 19.

So far no new developments concerning Saturday’s shooting sensation have occurred. Cressiyell, tlie mounded man, shows satisfactory progress, and it is : believed that lie now has a good chance of recovery. The police are very reticent, and refuse to give any particulars, ! but it is- stated that the two men concerned had a big fight, and the - dice were telephoned for, and also that Mackny was in trouble. That message accounted for Constable Wilson being so tfhrly on tlie scene. The cause of the, supposed quarrel is still hidden in mystery. / Mr,and Mrs Cress well, parents of the I wounded man, left Christehjirch on Saturday night, and arrived at AVan- ' ganui on Monday. I .About 15 years ago Mr Mackny. was one of the masters at King’s College a position lie held for two or Lnree years. He left teaching to take up the law, and after leaving Auckland practised at Stratford prior to going to Wanganui. When he Was in Auckland yachting was one of his favourite pastimes. Subsequent to tlie affair Mr Mackny was completely broken up, and appear ed to realise liis position. What led up to the offence remains a mystery ns far. as the public is concerned, hut it is well known that Air ATackav s health, has been very seriously impaired as the result of ail accident he met with last year, and lately he has been a mass of nerves. He recently had a serious disagreement with tbe heads of the Returned Soldiers Association over the Prince’s visit, and he was subjected to much hostile criticism from that quarter. i A wave of sympathy for the unfortunate man has swept over the town and tlie correct story pf the sad affair is now being awaited with great irilerot. /

The condition' of the wounded man was reported to be improved yesterday, though lie was not yet out of <1 tnger. The bullet, which is believed to be embedded in tbe lung bad not been located, and an operation will probably he necessary, it was stated. ACCUSED AT COURT. REMANDED IN CUSTODY, FOR A WEEK. Accused was brought up on remand at the court, and charged with attempted murder of Walter D’Arcy Cresswel) on Alay loth. Air AVyvern -Wilson, S.AI., occupied the Bench. Air W. J. Treadwell appeared for accused, and Air C. C. Hutton lor tbe Crown.

Air Hutton asked for a remand for seven days. He stated that at the present time the injured man was not in a position to give evidence, aiul it was not yet certain whether lie would survive. The injured man was also not in a position to make a statement at present, and possibly before the seven days had expired liis condition would be definite.

AL* Treadwell asked leave to make some remarks. He said that, in the first place, lie- would like, on bdinlf of his client, to express his appreciation of the courtesy and kindness extended by Inspector Hendrey. the other offi ,, crs of the police, and the gaoler, in discharging what must have been a pa'trful duty. He also wanted to ask the newspapers in tbe meantime not, to publish statements obtained from >utside individuals. Snell a request was only fair to Air ALac-kay, wlio bad been placed in a. very serious position. Statements might, appear in the newspapers which might be prejudicial to the case. Tie felt sure his request was reasonable aiul would induce both newspapers not to publish anything on the lutes lie bad indicated. The magistrate replied that bis experience of the Press, with few exceptions, was that they always treated such cases after the manner in winch hey should he treated.

Mr Treadwell, continuing, said thatHis Worship ' would understand that "at the present time lie was speaking under strain and he was sure the newspapers would not misunderstand the meaning of his request and that lie was not. making any reflections upon them. He now wished to make an application for bail. Mr Hutton stated that he regretted that his instructions were to oppose the bail being granted for the nature of the offence did not permit of bail. There was also the possibility that the charge might develop into a more serious one. Ho. also considered it would he to Mr Maekay’s own interest that hail should not he granted, sa he was naturally in a 'high state of nervous tension. Bail was not. allowed.