ALLEGATION OF MURDER.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2473, 29 August 1922, Page 3

ALLEGATION OF MURDER.

ASHBURTON FARMER CHARGED. Christchurch, August 27. Samuel Holland, aged 35 years, a member of a well-known Ashburton farming family, has been arrested at Ashburton on a charge of the murder of James Gill, aged 02 years, a farm labourer, who has a well-known figure in the Ashburton dstrict for the past forty years. The facts appear to be that late last- night a number of men were standing outside the Victoria Hall, Ashburton, where a dance was in progress. Gill rode up on horseback and in dismounting remarked that his horse was fond of music. It is alleged that Holland thereupon stepped from the bunch and hit Gill and knocked him down. Gill picked himself up and asked who strack him. Then Holland it is said, stepped out again and struck Gill a second time. Gill fell to the ground in the middle of the roadway and did not rise again. Holland Avent aAvay, and some of the others of the party propped up Gill in the doorway, thinking he would soon come round, and one of them took his horse nuny t" the stable. It was half an hour afterwards that this man returned and on examining Gill came to the conclusion that he was dead. Ho sent for the police and a doctor, and the latter on arrival pronounced life to be extinct. Tt is stated that earlier in the day Holland and some friends were at the Chertsey Hotel, Avhen Gill rode up. While Holland’s party were at the bar, Gill came in and called out: “Three cheers for the man who killed Alichael Collins.’’ Holland or one of his friends retorted: “You arc a De Valeraite, are you?’’ Then there was a scuffle between Holland and Gill, but tliev were separated and Gill then left. Holland will appear in Court in the morning on a charge of murder. Ashburton, Last Night. Samuel Holland appeared before a Justice of the Peace this morning, charged with the murder of James Gill on Saturday night. The police application for a remand until September sth was granted. Accused’s counsel applied for bail, but this was opposed by the police. Bail was allowed in a total sum of £1,00(1.