A NEGRO’S CRIME

Hokitika Guardian, 4 February 1929, Page 5

A NEGRO’S CRIME

STABS A MAN UN SHIP. (By Telegraph—Press Association). AUCKLAND, Feh. 2. With a knife wound over the heart •J. F. Murphy, Bosun of the American steamer “Golden State,’’ was rushed to the hospital shortly after midday. The steamer was to sail for Wellington at noon, and the afternoon watch had just sat down to dinner, when the Bosun was stabbed, as he sat at the head of the table. Murphy managed to struggle into an a fey wav. and the ship’s officers held everyone of those present until the arrival of the police. police arrested Hubert White Lanier, aged twenty years, a negro from Jersey City, who had worked his way out on the steamer in the x \ < ‘ hope of joining Commander Br.vtl. NO WAKNJNG OF ATTACK. AUCKLAND. Feb. J. Further details oi the stabbing affray on the American steamer “Golden State.” show that the Bosun Mr. John F. Murphy, had just sat down to dinner when he was stabbed. An eye-witness said that Hubert White Lanier, a Negro boy, who has acted as mossrooin boy, came in with a towel over his left shoulder. His rh'ht hand was hidden under the towel. Murphy got to grips with Lanier /after being stabbed, but Lanier broke away. Conflicting stories are told regarding what led up to the affray. Some say that the Negro boy bad been made too much of a russ of on account of bis intention to join the Bryd expedition. and others say that he had received some provocation during the voyage and that there was hound to he trouble when blacks and whites were combined in the crew. . It is understood Lanier admitted to Captain Skeiellodup that lie obtained a butcher’s knife, which he had carried about all the morning. He said he got it from the alley. He said that ho feared an attack from the Bosun. Infective Sergeant McHugh has arrested the voungVXegro. AUCKLAND. Fob. 3. j ip/ The condition of Mr Murphy, boatswain of the steamer “Golden State.’ was reported this afternoon to he in improving,