Langham Hotel, Gouger Street, Adelaide, 1940

State Library Catalogue Reference: B 9568

36 Gouger Street. The hotel was established in 1879 and originally known as the City Market Hotel but changed its name to the Langham Hotel in December 1880 and to the Hotel Langham in 1937. The building was demolished in 1968.

"SHOOTING CHARGES
'TROUBLE OVER WOMAN'
Cook on Trial
John Lawrence Lawson, aged 33, cook, of Adelaide, appeared before Mr. Justice Angus Parsons in the Criminal Court today on the second day of his trial on a charge of having at Adelaide on September 26, 1927, wounded John Newton with intent to kill. Lawson was also charged with having wounded Newton with intent to do grievous bodily harm. Mr. F. G. Hicks defended accused, who pleaded not guilty. Mr. R. R. Chamberlain, who conducted the case for the Crown, said that shortly before 6 o'clock on the afternoon of September 26,1927, Newton went to the Langham Hotel, Gouger street, with a woman. Several shots were fired in a parlor. Newton was found there with blood coming from a wound in his head. Accused was seen leaving the parlor.
"Pity I Missed"
Later, when accused was arrested, he was alleged to have said to a detective, "It is a pity I missed the --. I might make a better job of him next time." [Accused], in a statement from the dock, said that about two years ago Newton "had assaulted him” at the Crown and Sceptre Hotel. The assault was over a woman named Aggie Green. When away from the woman they were good friends. On September 26 accused was talking to A. Green in the Langham Hotel parlor when Newton came in, and said, "What are you doing with her?" Accused moved toward the street door, but Newton blocked him. Newton then hit him on the face, picked up a bottle off a table and said, "I'll teach you once and for all to keep away from her." Accused replied, "Give a man a chance. Put the bottle down. I don't want to fight you, but if you want to fight, fight fair."

Took Aim With Bottle

The answer of Newton was to take aim with the bottle. Newton, said accused, seemed to have had a lot of drink and was absolutely mad. Accused could see that he had either to put Newton out of action or get badly hurt, or probably killed. Had he closed with Newton he would have been knocked out with the bottle, so he (accused) drew a revolver and fired three shots, aiming for the hand of Newton which held the bottle. Accused had no intention of doing anything more than to stop Newton from injuring him. Counsel addressed the court. The hearing is proceeding. "
The News, Thursday 2 February, 1928, p19

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