In answer to Mr. Priestwood who appeared to prosecute, under structions from the Crown Ad: vocate) witness said Clark had had drink or two, but was quite sober.
R. E. MeNeale, a Customs officer, stated that he went on board the Fengtien at 1.15 on the morning in question, having been informed that Fice was being smuggled on board. Whilst searching below he hi two shots fired. He carried on the search, without finding any rice, and on going up again saw Clatk on the top deck in a very excited and nervous state. holding a revolver in hi In answer to Mr. witness said that rice was con: traband unless shipped as cargo.
Accused then gave evidence, so ing that he had been in the employ of the China Navigation Ca. for Jover three years. When he saw the the coolie with the bag on his shoulder the suspected that rice was being smuggled on board, and }when the coolie dropped the bag and ran on board witness followed with the intention of seeing the No. 1 compradore. A number of c0" gathered round him, muttering mong themselves, and presently Jore of them made a grab at his coat. There then seemed to be a general movement towards him, and therefore ran off to his cabin, Leuring the be knocked about by the coolies and $0, on reaching his habit crabbed his revolver and a handful ing fired only about four revolver shots in his life. Leaving his cabin, he went to the port side and, after fumbling with the revolver, got two cartridges in, and was in the act of closing the breach when hho thought he heard someone comirg up behind him. This increased his nervousness, and_he remembered one shot going off. He did not jaun the revolver in any direction znd had no intention of using it tne discharge being quite accidental. He did not see the complainant at all, and did not know he had been kurt until the police told him,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.