SENT FOR TRIAL

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 239, 6 July 1931, Page 10

SENT FOR TRIAL

Tinsley on Murder Charge DEATH OF HINDU Conclusion of Hearing By Telegraph—Press Association. Hawera, July 4. After two full days and evenings the hearing of the charge against Walter John Tinsley of having murdered Nana Chhiba, the Hindu fruiterer, was concluded in the Magistrate's Court this morning. The accused was committed for trial. Of 42 witnesses who had been subpoenaed, only 34 were called by the Crown. The last two gave evidence this morning, A coachbuilder stated that Tinsley had authorised car repairs costing £(J 9/-, and paid cash, while the other witness, Chhiba Gopal Panchia, whose fruit shop adjoined the bakery where Tinsley was employed, said that Tinsley had occasionally taken drinks with him at the shop.

“I am very surprised that Pivac, who saw the accused before he went to the shop on the night of January 8, has not been called,” said Mr. O’Dea, counsel for the defence. “It seems to me that the object of the police in this case is not to bring out the truth, but merely to get a conviction.” ■ Mr. Salmon, S.M.: “You should not say that. The police are not bound to call the witness.’’ , Mr. O’Dea: “I feel that I should." The accused was comtnitted to the Supreme Court at New Plymouth for trial on August 17. No application was made for bail.

Mr. Page, Coroner, returned a verdict that Nana Chhiba, a native of Bombay, met his death on January 31 or February 1 at his shop through being struck repeatedly on the back of the head with a hammer by a person or persons unknown.