THE SHANNON FRACAS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1060, 6 February 1913, Page 3

THE SHANNON FRACAS.

A sequel of the disturbance in Shannon on Saturday evening was witnessed in the Magistrate’s Court Palmerston on Tuesday, when Peter McDonald was charged with assaulting Constable Doyle. Owing to the constable being in the hospital with a broken leg the police asked for a remaud of eight days, which was granted. Accused pleaded guilty, but the Magistrate advised him to defer his statement until the case was beard. Accused was arrested at Shannon on Monday evening by Detective Quirke and Constable Watters

DEATH OF CONSTABLE DOYEE.

Constable John Doylp, who was admitted to the Palmerston Hospital on Monday suffering from a broken leg and facial abrasions, injuries received in the execution of his duty at Shannon on Saturday eveuiug, died ia the institution at 5.30 on Wednesday morning. The late Constable Doyle was about 35 years of age, and was a married man with a family of two children, the eldest of whom is about eight years aud the youngest quite a baby. Deceased hailed from Southbridge, Canterbury, where his parents, who are farming, still reside. He joined the police force in Auckland on June Ist, 1900, aud had beeu stationed at Shannon for about two years. Prior to that be had seen service in the Napier district. He was not a strong man, aud had been on sick leave in September last.

Mrs Doyle and family have beeu on a visit to Auckland and were expected to return by the express yesterday. The late Constable Doyle was a very popular officer, and much sympathy will be felt with his family aud relatives iu the bereavement which has overtaken them.

INQUEST OPENED

ACCUSED MAN PRESENT.

Ati inquest was opened at the hospital yesterday afternoon before Mr J. W.. Poynton, S.M., and a jury of six, of whom Mr S. T. Hunt was foreman.

Inspector Marsack conducted for the police. The jury viewed the body and evidence of identification was given by Sergt. Willis. The inquest was then adjourned till ii a.m. on Monday, Feb. 17, at the Court House, when the full evidence is expected to be available.

Peter McDonald, who now lies under a charge of assault and causing actual bodily harm, was present in custody at the inquest, and given an opportunity to examine the witnesses if he desired. No questions, however, were asked by him. A post mortem examination on the body was held last evening.