ECHO OF A QUARREL.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 February 1921, Page 5

ECHO OF A QUARREL.

MURDER CHARGE REDUCED. GUILTY OF MANSLAUGHTER. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The trial concluded at the Supreme Court to-day of Frederick Thompson, a laborer, of Carterton, charged with murdering Anthony Rzoska, on November 20 last, at Carterton. Accused, giving evidence on his own behalf, detailed lys movements in company with deceased and another man on the day of the tragedy. Having had a few drinks together, the deceased became quarrelsome, and refused to go home when advised to do so by accused. Rzoska followed accused, to the latter’s whare, where there was a further quarrel. A revolver was lying on the top of a meat safe, and both made a rush for it, and in the struggle for possession the weapon accidentally discharged, shooting Rzoska. Accused contended that he tried to get possession of the revolver to prevent Rzoska using it against him. The jury returned a verdict of guilty of manslaughter, with a recommendation to mercy on account of the provocation accused received. The passing of sentence was deferred till Saturday.