MERCER SHOOTING

Hokitika Guardian, 29 July 1933, Page 6

MERCER SHOOTING

ACCUSED IS FOUND GUILTY ANCKLAND Julv 27. .5 Charged with attempting .-to murder Janies Pennington Bates at Mercer April 14, Christopher Niven, aged 19, an electric-ban, , rvas tried in the Supreme Court. There were alternative counts to.disable; assault so as to cause actual bodily barm; causing bodily harm under ? such circumstances that, had death resulted, the accused would have been guilty of manslaughter ; and common assault.

The assistnnt-Crown Prosecutor, Air Hubble, said it was alleged that accused obtained petrol for his motor 'car at Bates’ service station, but did | not make payment. Upon being reJ monstrated with, accused was alleged | to have drawn a revolver and to have I fired two shots, one of which seriously ( wounded .Rates', who was subsequently | for soniei while a patient in Auckland Hospital; Though satisfactory recovery bad been made by the injured mail it had not been found possible to remove the bullet, which had lodged in his pelvis., - - 'The jury found accused guilty • of discharging a revolver with intent to .disable, but not guilty of.attempted 'murder 'or of the 'other- alternative

.charges. -. . Sentence was deferred;