MURDER CHARGE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2797, 14 October 1924, Page 2

MURDER CHARGE.

OTHER ACCUSED DISCHARGED. A CONFESSION. Auckland, October 12 The inquest on Reginald Louis Short, the victim of the Aurora Hotel tragedy, was opened yesterday before Mr Povnton, S.M. Evidence of identification was given by ChiefDetective Cummings. He said that Shutes, who was arrested on board the steamer West Islip, had made a statement. No evidence would be offered against Kilpatrick, the charge against whom was withdrawn, and Kilpatrick accordingly was discharged. % In a statement, Sliute admits inflicting a wound on deceased, but says it was accidental and as the result of a scuffle. The inquest was adjourned. Auckland, October 13. Benjamin Harrison Shutes appeared in the Police Court on a charge of murder of Louis Short, and also of assault on Frederick James Sands and Oscar Arthur Jensen, with intent to do bodily harm.

Evidence was given by companions of accused as to drinking in two hotels and of accused’s attempted assault on the first assistant engineer on accused’s return to the steamer. ■ Julian Anthony Fund, a greaser, said that when the accused returned to the ship, he said he had been in a fight in the town and had lost his cap. He held a knife in his hand and remarked “I do not see any blood on it. I think I ripped somebody up the town.” The accused also said he had been pursued over a roof. The hearing will be resumed tomorrow.