CARTERTON TRAGEDY

Hokitika Guardian, 2 December 1920, Page 1

CARTERTON TRAGEDY

INQUEST PROCEEDINGS

(Per PreßS Association.)

CARTERTON, December 1

The adjourned inquest of the victim of the. shooting tragedy at Carterton on Saturday, November 22, when the man Anthony Rzoske was fatally shot by Frederick Thompson and succumbed to injuries at the hospital on the lowing Monday, was resumed at Carterton to-day, before the District Coroner Mr E. G. Etoto. Senior Sergt. McNamara of Wellington appeared for the police. Accused was represented by Mr A. F. Hogg of Carterton. Evidence was giveft that the men lad been drinking slightly on the Saturday afternoon and Thompson and Rzoska quarrelled in the former’s whare. Rzoska pulled off his coat apparently to fight, and Thompson told him “to go to hell out of this.” Rzoska advanced a step when a revolver shot was heard Rzoska fell oil the floor, bleeding from the neck. Thompson asked that the police he brought at once, remarking that lie had “dropped the b——d. He’s done his settled penalty-” The two men were working mates employed by the Wairarapa South County Council. Evidence was given by Jacob Rzoska (cousin of the victim), John Rzoska (brother), Edward Crosilant, Dr, Tweed and the police.

The Coroner returned a verdict that deceased Anthony R-zoska, died by means of a gunshot wound in the neck fired by one Frederick Thompson, on the evening of November 20th. the said injuries being of such a nature that Rzoska died two days later at the Greytown hospital from asphyxia-, <ollowing respiratory failure caused by the said bullet.

Accused will be brought before Mr Free, S.M., to-morrow at 11.30 and charged with murder.