MAORI FOR TRIAL

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 41, 18 February 1942, Page 6

MAORI FOR TRIAL

TITAHI BAY AFFAIR

After the preliminary hearing had concluded yesterday in the Magistrate's Court of a charge of murdering Mary Currie at Titahi Bay on January 28, 'brought against Rakapa Nukunuku, aged 20, the accused was committed by Mr; J. L. Stout, S.M., to the Supreme Court for trial. In evidence yesterday afternoon Detective-Ser-geant E. H. Compton. said that the accused had been committed to the Porirua Merftal Hospital.

Detective-Sergeant' 'Compton said that he interviewed the accused on January 29, and Nukunuku then made a statement. Witness produced a statement in which Nukunuku allegedly said that on January 28 he went for a walk near the hospital, but instead of returning went on to Titahi Bay, and went to the cottage at night. bHe knew Miss Findlayson was away. Miss Currie came out of the room; and said. "You want some money, don't you??" Accused is alleged to have stated that he then went into the kitchen.and got a towel, which he tied tightly around Miss Curries neck. She fell to the floor with the towel still round her neck. He removed some things from Miss Findlayson's room, and later went under the house, put some paper there, and lit it. He was back at the hospital before he saw the fire, the alleged statement concluded.

Other witnesses included attendants at the mental hospital, who gave evidence of finding various articles in the possession of the accused, b '

Detective-Sergeant W. McLennan prosecuted, and Dr. O. C. Mazengarb, under instructions from the Crown, watched the interests of the accused.