Neild GILLIES

Constable Fired At

GEORGE’S RIVER CASE

George Thomas DAVISON. 66, was charged on remand at the Central Police Court to-day with shooting at Constable Neild Gillies, with Intent to do grievous bodily harm.

The evidence for the prosecution was that about 5.45p.m. on the 15th instant,  the constable went to the accused’s residence, Castle-street, George’s River, a lonely spot surrounded by bush and scrub. Davidson was in a paddock about 30 yards from the house, and as Gillies approached he hurried inside and closed the door. The Constable knocked and called loudly, “Mr. Davison, I want to speak to you.”‘ Getting no response he turned away, and when about eight yards from the house he heard the door open. Looking back he saw the accused standing with the door partly open, and in his hand a double-barrelled gun pointing in his ( Gillies ) direction. Almost immediately an explosion occurred, and a shot passed close to the constable. Gillies ran back, and accused attempted to close the door, but he was overpowered, and the gun taken from him.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/117708087

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Constable Fired At

GEORGE’S RIVER MAN ACCUSED

George Thomas Davison. 66. who was charged with shooting at Constable Neild Gillies with Intent to do him grievous bodily harm, was to-day committed for trial at the Central Police Court. The alleged shooting, it was stated, took place at accused’s house at George’s River, a lonely spot surround by bush and scrub.

Sergeant Gorman stated that when the accused was brought to the Kogarah Police Station, Constable Gillie. said “This man nearly shot me.” Accused replied, ” You nearly shot me in the kitchen.”

Constable Kincade said that about January 16. he had a conversation with the accused, saying to him, ” I hope we will have no further trouble In reference to the oyster lease notice boards.” Accused replied, ” I have not had justice in reference to that matter. According to the decision of an English court of law, I would be justified in shooting any person who even trespassed on my properly.”

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COURT HABIT

MAN WITH GRIEVANCE AGAINST POLICE

George Thomas Davison, a grey haired old man, has become a familiar figure In the Banco Court when the Full Bench is sitting. He appeared again to-day, armed with a bundle of legal-looking documents, and once more secured the attention of the Full Court for the consideration of a grievance which he has brought before the court on several occasions.   Mr. Davison’s trouble is that he can not persuade the Full Court to grant him a writ of mandamus to compel the Premier to take a referendum on the questions of whether the military should be substituted for the police, and that the soldiers should be given land instead of increased pay, the money thus saved to be devoted to providing profitable work   for the people.

In his affidavit in support of his application Mr. Davison declared that “Cancers  have caused thousands of deaths to people and stock since 1902, through the stupidity and dishonesty of the N.B.W. police, who also ‘aided and abetted unbearable molestations against me, which the Premier did not reply to my complaint. So I hereby, for the safety and peace of all honest people of N.S.W, call upon the Premier and the N.S.W. Government to show cause in this Honorable Court within eight days of the filing of this affidavit, why a mandamus should not issue ordering that a referendum be placed before the people so that they may vote : Should the military be substituted for police or not.”

NO JURISDICTION

Mr. Justice James said the Court had no jurisdiction to deal with such a matter. “We have no power,” added his Honor, “to grant mandamus calling on the Premier to take a referendum. You will nave to put it before them as an election issue. That is the only course I can suggest’

And Mr. Davison, gathering up his papers, left the Court.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/118783864

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