MANAWATU MURDER

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 February 1932, Page 5

MANAWATU MURDER

DEATH SENTENCE PASSED RECOMMENDED TO MERCY [PEB PBESS ASSOCIATION.] PALMERSTON N., February 12. The 19-year-old farm-hand, Norman Robert Decke, was found guilty in the Supreme Court to-day of the murder of Edwin John Blakeway, railway clerk, at Karere, on August 23. Sentence of death was passed by Mr Justice Ostler, who, however, will forward to the Governor-General a strong recommendation to mercy on account of the prisoner’s youth/ which was presented by the juryDecke received the verdict and his sentence without visible emotion, though when asked to say why sentence of death should not be passed, he appeared to be tongue-tied, his counsel answering for him. His Honor intimated that he agreed that there was the clearest evidence of the murder of Blakeway by accused. WESTRALIAN MYSTERY SUSPECT’S ALLEGED ADMISSIONS (Recd. February 13, 9 a.m.) PERTH, February 12. At the resumption of the inquest in the Murchison murder case Constable Penn gave evidence that Rowles tried to commit suicide in his cell after his arrest. H.e told witness that he had previously tried to poison himself. In a later conversation, Rowles expressed the opinion that he would probably swing for the murder of Carton. He added: “If I get life imprisonment I will try to swing myself.” Rowles also made a statement in which he admitted having had a disagreement with Carton, and they had agreed to part company. The hearing was adjourned.