ALLEGED ATTEMPTED MURDER

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9145, 14 May 1908, Page 4

ALLEGED ATTEMPTED MURDER

Per Proas Association. Auckland, May 13. Diuiel Kennedy came up on reman 1 this afternoon charged with the attempted murder of his wif» Olive, on the afternoon of Tuesday, May sth, by shooting at her with a revolver. Olive Kennedy, wife of the accused, said that she had been married 23 years last April, having arrived twelve months ago from Brisbane, where they were married. Her husband was a lithographer, and had been addicted to periodic bouts of drinking, but up to Saturday, May 2nd, had been fairly sober for some time. On that day he was very abusive, and told her that it was 3ier last day on earth. The following day he pointed a revolver at her, and before she had time [to grasp her husband’s hand. the weapon went off. its bullet going over her head. ' Witness’ son said he did not think his father had made a serious attempt to take his mother’s life. His father was all right so long as he left drink alone.

After further evidence the Magistrate said he would-consider whether he would commit Kennedy to the Supreme Court for trial or deal with him summarily. May 14. In the charge of attempting to murder his wife prefened' against Daniel Kennedy, Mr Kettle suggested that the charge be reduced to common assault. Sub-Inspector Hendry was not prepared to take this course, saying that shooting was evidently premeditated though the man’s heart probably failed him at the last moment. Mrs Kennedy was frightened that her husband would- shoot her, and was prepared to take the risk, but it was not fair to ask her to do so. ‘

The Magistrate said that it was for the Crown to decide, aud he adjourned the case for consideration of the question. He did .not think a jury would find a verdict of guilty on the evidence.