Petone Sensation.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 August 1922, Page 3

Petone Sensation.

[uv TEWtonxm-rEB press assooiawonJ WELLINGTON, August 28. Sensational happenings in a eoa-1 yard in Piteherhert Street, Petone led to , ho arrest of a man,named Benjamin Jones on two charges of murder. The occurrence followed Visit to Jones’s premises by two constables, Constables Harrison and Moiln, of the Hetone Police Force were instructed by Senior-Sergeant Bird to execute a distress warrant on Jones who is a coal dealer at 39, F.teberbert Street, Petone. On their arrival at the house, Jones came to the door, and the officers explained the nature of the duty they bad to perform—the seizme of a vehicle. They then proceeded to take possession of the cart. Jones firs attempted to shut the barrier leading on to the road, and also challenged Constable Morrison to touch the vehicle. Immediately afterwards, it is alleged, he drew a revolver, and fired at the constable, the shot going wide. Con. stable Harrison then went to Urnstable Morrison’s assistance, when Jones fired at him, this shot also missing. Harrison, who was nearest to Jones, threw him on the ground, and both officers tried to secure the revolver. Wliile the scuffle was going on Jones fired two more shots at tbe constables. It is stated that he pressed the revolver against Constable ’Morrison's abdomen, but just before it was discharged the weapon was kicked out of Jones’s hand by Constable Harrison. The constables assisted by Mr Henry Ryder, secured possession of the revolver, handcuffed Jones and took him to the police station in his own cart. It was only the courage and prompt action of the constables that averted a serious tragedy.

Later accused was charged at the local Police Court, before Mr D. M. Armstrong J.P., that on August 25th ,1922, at Petone, he did attempt to murM*er Frederick Charles Harrison, police constable, and also, in the same day, he did attempt to murder Bert Spencer Morrison, police constable. Accused was remanded until September 2, and was removed to the Terrace Gaol.

Tiie revolver used was 22 seveneliambered rim-fire, made by Richardson Arms Co, and called the Young American. When secured it contained six cartridges, four of which were spent' and one of the two loaded allowed signs of having mis-fired. “ Jones, it is alleged, has become wellknown to the public at Petone in connection with offences against the bylaws relating to wandering stock and a distress warrant, Which was being oxe. cuted, was to eov.«r ft fine imposed for that offence.