DELIBERATE ATTEMPT AT MURDER. (From the Auckland "Star.") December 22.

Te Aroha News, Volume I, Issue 30, 29 December 1883, Page 3

DELIBERATE ATTEMPT AT MURDER. (From the Auckland "Star.") December 22.

The usually quiet township of Onehunga was thrown into a state of intense excitement yesterday afternoon by the report that Mr William Henry Jones, the manager of the New Zealand Ironworks, had attempted to murder a young man named John McDermott. The first news that reached town of the tragic occurrence was the following telegram received from our own correspondent at Onehunga : — " A dispute took place here to-day between a man named John McDermott and Mr Jones, the manager of the New Zealand Ironsand Smelting Works?. McDermott struck Jones, whereat Jones pulled out his revolver and iired three shots. One ball entered the middle of his back and came out at his arm pit. Dr. Scott has attended the patient. Sergeant Greene has arrested Mr Jones. A deal of sympathy is manifested for both parties." From enquiries made by our reporter, it would appear that early in the afternoon, before two o'clock, Jones and McDermott with a man named Ploughman were in the Albert Hotel, Queen-street,

I'LAYINCJ EUCHRE. Ploughman left them there, and it would appear very shortly after his departure the two meji began to quarrel. Jones took off his coat and ottered to tight, and McDermott also removing his coat, a fight ensued. Jones getting the worstof it, lett the hotelthreatening|to return and "settle" his adversary, and proceeded in the direction of his residence in Church-street. After the lapse of twenty minutes or so, MeDermott mounted his horse and rode down the street. When opposite Mr Oates't book shop in Queen street, he observed Jones coming towards him, and seeing something like a pistol in his hand, ho turned his horse. He had baiely drawn rein when Jones levelled a revolver and

FIRED TIIKKE KllOTh at the unfortunate young man, two of them taking effect. McDermott managed to vide to his lather's residence, -which is situate about a mile from the scene ot the tragedy, and Dr. Scott was speedily summoned. An examination showed that one of the bullets had entered the middle of McDermotts back to the left of the spine, and had lodged in the left arm-pit, whence the doctor subsequently succeeded in extracting it. The second bullet passed through the left thigh. In the meantime, the would-be murderer was arrested by Sergeant Greene and Detective Walker. He seemed sorry for what he had done, and offered to bear the expense of medical attendance

THE REVOLYEK was found in his possession. It is «a heavy "Colt," and several chambers had evidently just been fired. As McDermott'i? condition a\ as considered critical, his depositions were taken. The prisoner is a short stoutly-built man, about 40 year? ef age. He is a native of England, and being left an orphan when only eight years old; he has had to make his own way in life. Commencing as a puddler, he has had to work his way upwards, but being a man of more than average intelligence and energy, he succeeded. The greater part of his adult life was spent in American ironworks. He came to the colony about 18 months ago from America, under engagement to Mr Chambers, to carry on experiments in connection with the Manakuu iron sand. Since his arrival here, he married a daughter of Mr Blakey, ex-Mayor of Onehunga. McDercnott is abour 30 years of age, and is a native of Onehunga, his father being one of the earliest pensioner settlers. He is a labourer. At this morning's sitting of the Police Court here, Jones was charged with shooting with intent to kill. He appeared very downcast, and his eye was much contused. Superintendent Thompson said that McDermott was in a very critical condition, and he would have to apply for a remand for eight clear days. He understood that the prisoner intended to apply for bail. If this were so he would oppose it most strenuously. His Worship said he would not allow bail, andthe remand was granted. We are informed that McDermott is doing as well as could be expected under the circvmstances.