CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 301, 17 June 1912, Page 5

CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER

THE SYMONDS CASE. j By Telegraph—Press Association. \ Christchureh, Saturday. ; At the inquest concerning the death 1 of H. Syinonds, the Coroner found that ! death was the result of injury caused j by a fall whicth was du>- to deceased be- ) ing pushed ]>y Albert 0. Clements. Evi- ) dence was given b-j H. Clements con- j cerning his brother Albert's movements j on King's Birthday. Witness was ! several times vvarne'd by the Coroner ' that he was running the" risk of prosecution for perjury, and at one stage J counsel for Albert retired with the wit- ) noss to discuss the position. Under I pressure witness admitted that he saw his brother and deceased in front of a hotel and that "someone" pushed de- j ceased. He also admitted that only] himself, his brother, and deceased were present. Asked if he caused the fall, he said "No," adding that deceased was not sober and that he and his brother had been drinking. The Coroner was moved by another statement to repeat | that witness was a liar. Counsel pro- \ tested that the Coroner was unfair, and j that witness was actuated by good, mo- i tives. The Coroner: "To protect his brother. I am here to get the truth. I and will not allow lies to be told." ]

Christebureh, Saturday Night. Mr. H. W. Bishop, District Coroner, continued the inquest to-day regarding the death of Henry Symond's, who was picked up in front of the Royal George Hotel in Fitzgerald Avenue, and who died in the .hospital. After hearing evidence, the Coroner returend a verdict that deceased died as a result of an injury to his brain caused by a fall on the pavement due to being pushed by Albert David William Clements, on June 3. Albert Clements was brought before the court on a charge of assault, and on ; the application of the Chief Detective the charge of assault was withdrawn, and one of manslaughter was made. The magistrate granted a remand until Tuesday.