TAXI-DRIVER TRAGEDY

Grey River Argus, 26 March 1943, Page 4

TAXI-DRIVER TRAGEDY

McAULAY CHARGED In Crowded Couirt P.A. CHRISTCHURCH, March 25. Charged with the murder of Wilhelmina Webster, woman taxi driver, of Ashburton, on March 16, John Hector McAulay, a labourer, aged 17 years and 9 months, who was arrested at the skating rink at Ashburton, late on the afternoon of March 17, appeared before Mr E. C. Levvey, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court A request that the accused might be made available for medical observation, if necessary, by witnesses for the defence was made by his counsel.

On the application of Sub-Inspector W. H. Dunlop, the accused was remanded until April 1, and for medical observation? Sub-Inspector Dunlop said that the police would not oe ready to proceed then. Thg Court was crowded when M;’Aulay : entered the dock. All of the seats at the rear of the Court were occupied, and a number of people were standing. The spectators included a number of women, and several soldiers.

Mr D. W. Russell, Christchurch, .and Mr V. W. Russell, Ashburton, appeared for McAulay. After Sub-Inspector Dunlop had applied for remand, Mr D. W. Rutsell made his request that the accused might be made available for medical observation by witnesses Lor the defence.

The Magistrate said that there was no question of that, as counsel was entitled to see his client at any time in custody. He could remaind him for medical observation.

Mr Russell replied that the question might arise of medical witnesses for the defence.

Sub-Inspector Dunlop said that there was no objection -to that, as far as the Crown was concerned. That part was being attended to now. Any mental expert could have access to accused.