RUAWARO MURDER CHARGES

Evening Star, Issue 21627, 24 January 1934, Page 2

RUAWARO MURDER CHARGES

MASS Of EVIDENCE UNHEARD EXPERTS TO BE GALLED T9-KORROW [Per United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, January 23. lii the Police Court this afternoon, Detective John Walsh continued his evidence on the double murder charge against William Alfred Bayly, a Unaware former. Detective Walsh said that he asked jf Bayly had any suggestions to make as to where Lakey might be found. He replied: “It is problematical after six weeks. Do yon think he is dead? ” Witness replied “ Yes,” and Bayly said nothing more. Mr Meredith: What was Bayly like that day? Witness: He was quite collected and showed no signs of nervousness or embarrassment. Detective White, of Hamilton, who was at Ruawaro from November 8 until December 12, was the next witness. He corroborated details of the search of the accused’s house as given by Detective Walsh. He added that the eldest of Bayly’s boys was about five years of age and the youngest about three. Witness outlined conversations with Bayly during the search, and said that the accused stated that he had never been on friendly terms with the Lakeys. ’ ' “ During these conversations,” stated witness, “ the accused said that the Lakeys had not been on speaking terms _ with their neighbours for the last six months. Mrs Lakey hud liad a ‘ row with Mrs Stevens and had called her an objectionable name. He said that Mrs Lakey had had a dispute with Mrs Sanson, and. as a result, Lakey went and removed some implements Sanson had borrowed from him.” Mr Meredith; Did Bayly say whether he had been at Lakey’s bouse?—He said he had been in the house frequently. Witness gave the same account as Detective Walsh of the continuation of the conversation, and said that Bayly had stated that Mrs Lakey was in the habit of using filthy language. While the accused and witness were standing together the accused said: “Do you think he is alive? ” Witness said “ No.” No name was mentioned. Detectives were with Bayly from 10 o'clock until 2.15 on this occasion. “ His demeanour was quite natural, and he joked with us several times,” said witness. Constable Penman Watts, of Hamilton, said that he was on Bayly’s farm with other constables on December 4. Ho described the searching of a patch of dug ground in Bnyly’s garden and the finding of charcoal at about a spade’s depth. They found what appeared to he burnt • hone, charcoal, wood ash, and some burnt rag. Two teeth were found. Boot nails and eyelets that appeared to have been through a fire were Inter found. Tlie hearing was adjourned till tomorrow.

There is a largo mass of evidence yet to he heard, and, in an effort to conclude the hearing before the end of the week, it is proposed to hold evening sittings. Further police evidence will be called to-morrow, and the evidence of exports is not expected to be reached until Thursday.