CHILD KILLED.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18668, 17 April 1926, Page 16

CHILD KILLED.

MAORI CHARGED WITH MURDER. MOTHER AMENDS HER EVIDENCE (6PECUL TO .:'THX PBISS.") KAIKOURA, April 16A sitting of the Police Court was held last night before, Messrs J..Davidson and A. B. Clark', J.P.'s, when Pene Tahui Green, aged 18, was charged that he did'kill'Kathleen Paneta, aged two year;, and nine months, on April 7th. Kathleen Paneta was injured in the bead'during the erening, and succumbed nest morning: At the inquest,- Elizabeth Paneta, the mother' of the child; stated that her son, Harry, aged nine years, !.-.d thrown a bottle, which struck the child. Constable Conne'l made further enquiries and effected Rearrest* of Green. Detective Baylis. of Christchurch, arriv.ed on. Wedntsday night, and made further and Green appeared, before the Court last night, the sitting lasting till midnight. Elizabeth Paneta stated that the evidence given at the inquest Has n.it correct. »She and Green, who woie living as man and wife, quarrelled at a neighbour's residence, and when separated Green had walked away, and on her following him he threw a gin bottle at her, which missed arid hit the child. She had instructed her young son to say that he had accidentally struck his sister with a bottle and warned Green to keep out of the way. Evidence was given by Monica Toms, Thomas Gray, and Harry Pannett, who witnessed the occurrence, stating that Green had thrown the bottle. The evidence of Dr. Withers was to the effect that the child had died from laceration of the brain. Green made a statement in writing to the police, admitting the deed, and stated that he had desiro.-! to give himself up at the time. . They had been drinking gin and after the occurrence he'had gone' into the bush and cut his dog's throat. . Accused, who is eighteen years of age, pleaded not guilty .and reserved his ■ defence through his solicitor; Mr P. Gibson. Detective Baylis prosecuted. Green was committed to the Supreme Court at Christchurch for trial. Bail was applied for but refused.