DISCHARGING A PISTOL.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 February 1921, Page 8

DISCHARGING A PISTOL.

PROSECUTION UNDER ARMS ACT. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Feb. 2. Edward William Turner, who came to 1 Wellington as second engineer of the American steamer Bell Rock, was charged with having discharged a pistol at Owen Collins on Queen’s Wharf with intent to do grievous bodily harm, with having presented % firearm at Collins, with having discharged a firearm without reasonable cause, with having been drunk while in possession of firearms, and with having carried a revolver for other than a sufficient and proper purpose. The case was to have been heard a few days a<ro. but the principal witness, Collins, could not be found. He appeared to-day, but his mind was a blank as to the occurrences on the day of the shooting. He said lie was so drunk lie should have been locked up. Another witness said he saw accused in uniform come through the wharf gates: Collins was walking a few yards behind. Then Turner, who was noticeably drunk, presented a pistol at Collins’ feet twice and fired. Corroborative evidence was given. The bench held that the evidence did not show the intention of accused to do any harm. The action apparently was that of a drunkei. man Th? first charge was dismissed, nr. the third a fine of £5 was imposed and on the others convictions were *e-.-srded without penalties. Turner was also ordered to pay costs. The last four charges were the first to be laid in the Dominion under the new Arms Act.