MURDER CHARGE

Hokitika Guardian, 23 September 1930, Page 5

MURDER CHARGE

THE COLERIDGE TRAGEDY

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.' CHRISTCHURCH, September 23. Before Magistrate La wry to-day, the police proceeded with the charge against Alfred James Stanley Colenso, 32, farm labourer, of murdering Robert William Cpckburn at Lake Coleridge on t September 3. The Court waa crowded.

Arthur Edward • parquharson, a labourer, who bad been accused’s companion in Coleridge district, described their movements on the day of the tragedy. He said lie and Colenso were going towards Murchison’s station when Cockburn wnom they bad met previously, came .up and complained of the theft of his lunch. Witness opened up his swag. Cockburn then accused Colenso of having bis billy and lie demanded' that Colenso should open his swag. Cockburn used abusive language. The man were close together and Cockburn was throwing his arms about.

Witness beard Cockburn say to accused—“ Don’t be silly.” The accused said “self defence.” This was while witness had Ids'back to • both of them. Then lie heard a shot. He could not say whether Colenso had the rifle up or not. When lie looked round Cockburn had nearly died. Witness urged Colenso to accompany him. to.the.station to give himself up, but Colenso decided not to. Inspector Cameron—What was said ? LWitriess—the man who was shot said—“ You will suffer for this old boy.” Further examined witness said while the three of them .were talking. Colenso was holding the rifle at his hip.

Witness did not hear any threat made.

AYitness then proceeded to describe his movements with the accused after the tragedy. | Detective Sergeant Young said that when arrested, the accused said lie had shot a man at Coleridge the day be* fore. The man, said the accused, had called him all the names lie could lay bis tongue to.

Colenso pleaded not guilty and was committed for trial at the Supreme Court.