WOMAN GUILTY

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 195, 15 May 1936, Page 2

WOMAN GUILTY

Serious Charges at Christchurch By Telegraph—Press Association. Christchurch, May 14. The case of the Crown against Ruehena Shirley, whose trial commenced yesterday on three charges of illegally using an instrument, was completed this morning when the prosecution called police evidence concerning investigation of the death of Catherina Maria Hill, of Greymouth. The Crown alleged that Mrs. Hill died following an illegal operation performed by accused. Mr. Justice Northcroft presided. Mr. A. T. Donnelly conducted the prosecution, and Mr. Sargent, with him Mr. Menamin, appeared for accused. Detective Duncan Mackenzie said that he and Detective Harding commenced investigating the death of Mrs. Hill on March 27. Witness and others called at accused’s house at Alpha Avenue. Accused said she did not know Mrs. Hill and denied knowledge of any arrangement with the Hills to perform an operation. To questions concerning telephone calls to Greymouth and visits of the Hills to her house, accused responded with denials. Later witness returned with a warrant for her arrest and told her she was to be taken into custody. Accused replied: “For something I know nothing about.” “All her replies were negative?” inquired his Honour. "Yes,” replied witness. ‘‘Did you,” the judge said, “know any more when you decided to arrest her than before you asked your questions?” - Witness replied that he had reported the result of his interrogation to Inspector Rnwle and hud been instructed t, make the arrest. Mr. Sargent did not call evidence and counsel proceeded to address the Jury. Shirley was found not guilty on the charge in respect to Mrs, Hill, but guilty on two charges affecting the other women. She was remanded for sentence.