STABBING CHARGE

Hokitika Guardian, 8 February 1929, Page 5

STABBING CHARGE

(By Telegraph—Press Association). AUCKLAND, February 8. Bosun Murphy of the American ship Golden State in the Police Court described the stabbing affray on that vessel last Saturday, which resulted in a negro boy, Robert White Lanier, known as the “ Smiling South Pole Boy ” facing a charge of assault. The bosun said the crew were not a bunch of savages. Counsel if or accused had suggested that the charge be reduced, saying he thought the accused had a. good defence. Lanier lived in terror of his life and counsel hoped to show the assault had been committed in self defence. Detective-Sergeant Kelly said tho assault was made with a butcher’s knife. There were (features which might suggest provocation but there was certainly no provocation for using a knife. Evidence was given that Murphy, the man assaulted, on admission to fiospital was suffering from haemorrhage from a wound If inches long about three inches above and outside the heart. Complainant smelt faintly of alcohol. Murphy, in evidence, said the accused had been carrying tales from the crew’s' mess room to the chief steward, and he had altercation with the latter, whom he struck. Lanier came in and jumped on witness and threatened to

Rill him. Ho 8110(111 accused off arid chased him to the galley door. Hater said witness, the captain threatened to put me in irons. Just after mid-day Lanier attacked witness while he (Murphy) was in a niessroom. Witness was cross examined on linos suggesting provocation. H© added that he drank and had a good time; that he had boon concerned in free-for-all brawls. ACCUSED COMMITTED FOR TRIAL AUCKLAND, Feb. 8. Robert Lanier was committed for trial to the Supreme Court.