MURDER CHARGE

Hokitika Guardian, 4 August 1927, Page 3

MURDER CHARGE

ACCUSED MAN'S STORY. KILLING UNINTENTION AL. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) PALMERSTON N., Aug. 3. Dcvn Kala’s trial was continued this afternoon, when Doctor Dawson describing the wound as a neat job, being such as if done hv a man accustomed to using a chopper. To Air AloTver (defending counsel) however, he admitted that a chance blow on a man with his head bent forward and with the neck muscles tight, could have caused a similar cut. Constable Swan recalled a conversation with Ka.l a in Pahiatua Lock-lip. when Kala said:—“l have had bad luck to-day. The barman came into the kitchen for lunch. He said to mo “Are you going away on Monday?”

I replied “Yes, | have given notice.” He Ijhon called me a black, woolly bastard and said lie would give me fen years before I went. I had the bread knife in my hand cutting bread," and there Kala stopped said witness. Witness did not press him to continue.

Accused then entered the witness box and told his story as follows; “I am 36 years of age, and a chef Inoccupation. Afy wife and two children are in India. I first came to Now Zealand in June. 1918, landing at Auckland. After four months, I went to Blenheim, working there from October 1918, till October 1921, when I returned to India. In 1923 I came back to New Zealand and I started working at Blenheim for the same employer as I worked for previously. After eleven mouths there I went to Dannevirkc and was employed hv Air Andrews for fifteen months, Aly next job was at Stratford, from February to October 1926. After that T went back to Air Andrews at Dannevirkc and staved with him until January, 1927, when I went to Pahiatua. first at the Club Hotel and last of all at tlie Commercial. I intended leaving AllPerry's employ, as 1 didn’t like small hotels. 1 was alwavs friendly with everyone, incuding Barrett and we always said “Good Alorning” to each other. 1 got Barrett liis meals, always asking what lie wanted to cat. Barrett, never insulted me before, nor 1 him. On the day of the tragedy, Barrett came in for breakfast as usual and for bis morning tea. There was no conversation during lunch hour. 1 served meals for the dining room, and Barrett came into the kitchen for his lunch. About 1.15 p.m. I was cutting up bread for stuffing, working at a ta|ble behind him. Barrett had soup and 1 asked: “What are you going to have for lunch, Bill?” After serving Barrett, I resumed cutting the bread. Barrett then said to me: “Are you leaving on .Monday?'’ [ replied:

“Yes.” Barrett then said to me “A’oii are going to get ten years gaol! I'll fixe you b black bas-

tard coolie cook!" I lost my temper at tlial and said “Shut up!" at the same time swinging the chopper behind me.” Afr Melver: “Why did you do it?" Accused: “| was angry. I didn't know I was going to hit Barrett with the chopper. I had lost my temper, and didn’t know' that I was going to hit anything. Barrett was close to me and it was not fill 1 looked hack that I realised that 1 had struck Bill. I was frightened and couldn't move for a couple of minutes. 1 did not mean to hurt or kill him. Having hut the chopper in the sink, I then went to my room, changed my coat and went down to the office.” Mr Archer: “Why did you ask the doctor to come outside and you would tell him all?” 'Accused: “There were women in the kitchen and 1 couldn’t repeat Bill a language in front nl them. Mr Cook (Crown prosecutor): “Has nobodv ever called you a bastaid before ?” “No.” Air Cook: “Did you look when you swung the chopper. ’ “No. I just called out ‘Shut up!’ my hack was to Barrett. When 1 saw what I had done, T was paralysed for a while.”

Sydney Andrews, hotel proprietor, Dannevirkc, described Kala as an excellent cook, even-tempered, with no inclination to violence. He had never heard a cross word from the accused all the time he was with witness and Kala, seemed to get on well with the staff. Thos Kirkwood, hotelkeeper. Stratford. described Kala as a thorough gentleman, quiet and unassuming. JURY 'DISAGREE. The jury returned at ten o’clock announcing they were unable to agree. A new trial has been ordered lor Friday.