NO BILL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 194, 18 August 1931, Page 8

NO BILL.

HAWERA MURDER CASE.

INDIAN FRUITERER'S DEATH.

TINSLEY DISCHARGED FROM

CUSTODY.

AFFIRMS HIS INNOCENCE

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

NEW PLYMOUTH, this clay,

After sitting from 11.40 a.m. to 10 p.m. yesterday, the Grand Jury returned a no bill on the charge of the murder of Nana Chhiba, +he Indian fruiterer, at Hawera on January 31, against Walter John Tinsley.

Tinsley was discharged from custody

this morning, affirming his innocence as he left the dock.

Tinsley, a baker, aged 25, was charged on May 12 with having committed the murder.' In the Magistrate's Court evidence was given by a number of witnesses, including Ser-geant-Detective Quiike, who said he had been on special duty at Hawera since February 2. He met Tinsley at the Royal Hotel on May 4, and while stopping there saw him over a period of some weeks. On March 14 the latter was interviewed, and made a statement. A search of a wardrobe disclosed a brown waterproof coat with blood smears and spots of blood. Asked how the blood came to be on his clothing, Tinsley replied, "I must have got that at the Mastcrton freezing works."

Tinsley was charged with the crime on May 12. While putting on his boots he said to the police officers, "You fellows had to catch someone, and you caught me." Next day he came before the Magistrate's Court and was remanded to New Plymouth.

On May 24 three Maoris identified him in a parade as having been seen in Chhiba's shop on the night of Saturday, January 31. A fourth native was uncertain. The body of Chhiba was discovered on Sunday, February 1, by a woman residing next door, who called for the purpose of obtaining something from him.

At the hearing in the Magistrate's Court when Tinsley was committed for trial, residents of Masterton testified to the good character which he had borne.