Attempt To Murder.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 March 1923, Page 1

Attempt To Murder.

MAST LUTON, March 9. Pakira Hae-Ma. u good-looking and intelligent young Maori, who speaks English fluently, was charged at the Mastorton Court to-day liefore Mr S. L. P. Free S.M., with the attempted murder of James Kenriek, at Blackrock station, on February 4th. last.

Mr W. Noble appeared for the accused. and Sergeant Sweeney conducted tlio ease for the police.

James Kenriek, a half-castle, said he was a shepherd and drover, residing at Blaekroek Station, near Mastorton. He lmd known Haoata for a couple of years. While riding home on February- 4th. he met Haoata. who admitted during a conversation that lie had said lie was going to shoot him. On reaching home witness went to bed early, intending to get tip at 1.30 to take stock to the freezing works. Sleeping in the house were his daughters, Elizabeth and Mary, and Mrs Haoata, who had been living at his place for about three months.

Witness left the bouse at 2.30. and when about a chain and a hall away from the stable he heard a voice singing oui ‘‘Pull up, Kenriek!”

Tfe looked over and paw accused running by the side of the fence. TTaeata got up and sat on the gate. He had the gun with him. Witness sang out. “Is that you. Butler?” and Macula replied. “Thai’s me.” Witness said, “Are you going to di it this time?” and Maona re-

plied “Yes.” Witness sang out, “All right, give me time,” and walked away from the Lap and took his coat, and hat off and hung llioni up. Ihthen walked up to Haoata who was about six yards away. Haoata was pointing the gun at him. “Witness said. “Yon may as well make a. good job of it while you are at it.” Haeata took a long aim and let (ire. Witness moved a little and got one shot over the eye. I r e fell ihe sbot go past and hit the snlasliho'ird of the earl:. TTaeata ran at witness with bis gun presented Witness ran farther back. The horse rearing up. and when be grasped Ib. bnrse‘s reins he g'4 a second '-hot Mi the left hip. Witness tboii rai st-aiglir to the house. Shout six yar-ls n wn- front the back of rhe hap he got a ion in the right shoulder. Slier this lie made for the home

Th’ee shots had so far been fired af liim. Before lie got inside another

Witness nils yelling out all tli - time •villi pain. He rushed into the house ■mi! weld to the front room. TTaeat - >v.- t hen outside on the verandah :ml -I ,t.i ( til rough the vindo ■■ . Witness then rushed for his o" u von ,:i double-bar'• lied Remington. TT< returned t> the passage to a (loo! 1- ailing to a bedroom. While accused was turning, witness up v.’iili bis gun and fired nr him.

He did not see accused till about tmi minutes later. He then heard accused

sing out. “Come on. Jim. let cs sha -r Iciiide and he friends..” He thought nc-

liimsclf till he lmd anotlmr go at him. /Accused went round on one able of the bouse and then came hick to the verrnibtlt. TTe came to ill- window and crawled through. Witness kept aces, d ! covered with bis gun. \reused said to witness'. “Are you sale?” and witness reeked. “Yes. 1 m unite safe.” Witness passed his gun l ever ill one of the girls. \eeusocl asked witness to shoot him. Witness grabbed ari'U -rl by the arm. pushed hint into ] the passage and on to the verandah, i Accused dill not say why he led j tri 4 to -hoot witness, and (lid mt: j make any reference to bis wile. ! Witness was cress-examined by Mr j Noble. j f-n’i it a filet that you had taken i tin- mail's wife away front him? No. I Were you carrying on immoral icI latinos with accused's wife? No reI ply- | His Worship (to witness): Were you j and this woman living together as man | and wife prior to the shouting? Acs. Mr Noble: Didn't you take his wile | away? —No; lie forced his wife into my | hands. j Have you ever bad any trouble with 1 any other man and his wile? Acs. I Did that wife also force herself en j io you?—Yes. : Accused ivsedved his defence, and was committed for trial.