TRAGEDY AT KAPONGA.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8147, 3 July 1906, Page 2

TRAGEDY AT KAPONGA.

A CHARGE OF MURDER. Late on Saturday night, says the Eltham " Argus," Constable Redican received information to the effect thaisome men resiling Kaponga had been quarrelling and one man had struck another ind killed him. As a result of this information the constable went to the locality whore the fracas had taken place and after enquiry arrosted a man known as Charley Sehicker on a charge of killing John Rollin.

The faots. go far as we have been able to ascertain them, are as follows : Tho two men whose names we have mentioned, wero holding a wordy dispute concerning somo girl who had left the district. Rollin had been in receipt of some post cards which were calculated to annoy him and he blamed Schicker for sending him tho cards. Hot words ensuod and Rollin advanced towards Schicker as though with the intention of striking him. Schicker had in his hand at the time « new axle-handle which he had purchased shortly before and with it dealt Rollin a blow which struck him behind the left ear. Rollin staggered and fell.

The witnesses of the scene were Joseph Stannar aud Albert Ulriek, who, as soon as Kollin was struck, conveyed him inside a whare and sent for Dr M'aclagan, but Kollin expired just about the time of the doctor's arrival. The above aro ail the details yet to hand. Further information will be forthcoming at the coroner's enquiry. The men, we are informed, were Swiss farm hands. ACCUSED BEFOKE THE CO [JUL The accused was brought before the Eltliara Magistrate's Cou-t at noon yesterday, Hon, W. C. F. Carncross aud Mr W. H. McGarry, J.P's, presiding. Detective Siddell appoared on behalf of the Police, and accused was represented by Mr G. P. Wake, solicitor, Eltham. The accused was formally charged on the information of the Polioe with killing John Rollin. I Detective Siddell applied for a re- | mand, stating that tho Police had not had sufficient time to collect evidence. Mr G. P. Wake mado an application for bail, which Deteitive Siddell opposed, as the chargo was a serious one. Tho Bench asked for particulars of the ease, which Constablo Redicau supplied as far as he was acquainted with them. The accused was remanded to the ( Jth inst,, tho Bench declining to grant bail. Detective Siddell agreed witli accused's counsel that the application for bail could be renewed after the coroner's inquest. THE INQUEST. The inquest soucerning the death of John KioJliu will oo lield to-day at 2.30 in Knponga.