THE OHUTU SENSATION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9470, 12 June 1909, Page 8

THE OHUTU SENSATION.

VERDICT OF NOT GUILTY

At Wanganui sitting of the Supreme Court yesterday the hearing q-f the charge of attempted murder apainat-F. R. Garlick was continued. Oliver gave evidence as to the behaviour of Garb ok on his arrival at Ohafe’field's house In cross-examination witness said he had known Garlick from eighteen months to two years, and had always known him as quiet and steady. On , this occasion accused smelt very atrongly of drink and he thought he was mad with drink. Did not think accused knew what he was doing, and he had no hesitation in saying that he thought accused was bereft of his reason. “ James Piime gave evidence as co the finding of Ohatfield. There r^ ere - marks on the road as if he nad been dragged across. ■ Questions by accused d counsel showed that the defen r JO was that Garlick had attempted t 0 pn t Obatfleld into a place r jf greater safety than be was in a’ a d that not being sober he had railed over the bank. Garlick evidence ap to the ©vents r jt the day- In crossexamination ne said that Ohatfield was Very drunk and 'leaning on the r 5,11 b and witness was not very much tetter. He asked Ohatfield to come home two or three times but did not remember what be said. He stumbled out towards the horses. Witness helped him on to his horse and got on his own. Ohatnela fell , off after a few yards. Witness helped him on again, but he fell off - and would not try again. Witness asked him to walk and he would help him.. Ohatfield asked him to go and get the trap and his wife also. Witness asked him |to shift off the road. Onatfield did not answer so " he pat him in the water table. Ohatfield said it was wet. Witness also thought of the cream cart, so dragged him across the road. He did not remember his position, hot thought he was quite safe. Ohatfield then rolled over and down the i hank. Witness came back and went after him. He was lying down the bank feet foremost. Witness asked him to try and get up the bank again and that he would help him. Ohatfield told him to go home again, and get the trap and bis wife. Witness said he oonld not leave him there, so tried to get him up. Both were very drunk. Witness then put him sideways on to the scrub so that he should not get through. He then went back to the horses and went to Obatfield’s. Witness’s mind was a blank till he remembered the doctor probing the wound. He did not know what happened when he got to Ohntn. After leaving Ohatfield, the {liquor seemed to have got a greater control over him. A number of questions were submitted to the jury and a verdict of not guilty was returned. Accused was then.disoharged.