MURDER OR MINOR COUNT?

Evening Star, Issue 19346, 4 September 1926, Page 10

MURDER OR MINOR COUNT?

WOMAN SENT FOR TRIAL [Per United Press Association.] ■WELLINGTON, Soptemlier y 3. The charge ot murder against Elizabeth Ann Wylie alias Novili, aged ior bynine years, in respect of tho death ot Elsie Davis, a married woman, on July 11, was continued to-day. Mr Stevenson, for tho accused, referred to the suppression of tho names of girls called as witnesses. _ He said there were serious interests in another direction than that of these girls—those of tho accused. As the result of the name of ono of tho girls being published before the suppression order was made, tho defence had received information about her which would bo of tho greatest assistance later on. Mr Page, S.M., after considering the objection of Mr Stevenson, agreed to allow tho names of the witnesses to be published on the ground that the feelings of the witnesses must not be allowed to outweigh consideration for the accused. . On the conclusion of the evidence Mr Stevenson said the only submission tho defence would make was that there was no legal evidence to send accused forward on a murder charge. Mr Pago: Counsel for tho defence has pressed me to give a ruling whether tho depositions taken on tho abortion charge are admissible on the murder charge. If it were necessary for me to express my opinion on this important and difficult question I should do so, but Ido not consider it necessary. This is not a trial, but an inquiry. I have merely to ascertain whether there is sufficient evidence to_ put the accused on her trial for an indictable offence. It is clear that the depositions are admissible on the abortion charge, but whether they are admissible on a charge of murder must bo decided by another tribunal.

Mr Stevenson; Is there any particular offence you are sending her forward on?

Mr Page: I find there is evidence to justify my sending her forward on a charge of' abortion. Mr Stevenson; Is she committed on the charge of abortion only? Mr Page: I send her forward on an indictable offence. She could be charged with abortion, and possibly with two other charges—murder or manslaughter.

Bail in the sum of £3OO, with two sureties of £l5O each, was renewed.