A RATAL FIGHT

Hokitika Guardian, 21 September 1920, Page 4

A RATAL FIGHT

(Per Press Assocjation.)

GISBORNE: September 20

An inquest was held to-day concerning the death of Harry Pritchard, in connection with which Alexander. Rae Roderick Williamson, was this morning remanded on a charge of manslaughter. Evidence was given that Pritchard returned home at three o’clock on September 3rd with the side of his head swollen. Dr .Scott was called in two days later and Pritchard was removed to the Hospital on September 13th. Dr Scott in his evidence said Pritchard complained he could not sleep as the result of a blow on the head. Witness found an extensive blow on the temple. Last Tuesday Pritchard said the pains in the head were almost unbearable, and witness ordered iliis ’removal to the hospital. As the result of a post-mor-tem, witness considered 'the cause of death was due to irritation of the brain, which existed only in a very small degree, and would not'itself have caused death. The immediate cause of death was' haemorrhage due to later injury to the brain, caused'by the edge of a fracture. The injuries might have been the result of a blow or of falling on some iron. 'Evidence by employees, .of Niven’s Foundry was given that an apprentice named Charles chaffed Prit-: chard, and Pritchard struck Charles, who defended himself. Alter a scuffle both fell. Pritchard said to Charles: “Both you and your cobber want a hiding.” ’■The cobber was Williamson. Williamson and Pritchard then fought.) Pritchard was knocked down. One witness said that .after the fight PritIchard remarked: “I got a crack that time. I don’t know whether it was • the effect of Rae hitting .me, or my hitting the ground, but my head feels sore.” The police gave evidence that Wiliiamslon admitted knocking Pritchard down and said: “I got on to Pritchard for striking a boy -named Charles. Pritchard shaped up and made a rush and.attempted to strike me, but missed, and I struck him a right cross on the jaw. He ..got tip, r.ushed me and caught me by the thigh. The foreman came up and separated us.” ■The 'Coroner found the following verdict: —“That the deceased, Harry Pritchard, died on September 18, from cerebral pressure, as the result of haemorrhage on the brain, and this injury is traceable to a blow struck on the deceased’s head by Alexander Williamson during quarrel at Niven’s Foundry on Friday, September 3.”