A GIRL'S DEATH

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 14 January 1929, Page 9

A GIRL'S DEATH

1 ELSIE WALKER MYSTERY.

THE INQUEST CONTINUED. HER AUNT GIVES EVIDENCE. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Jan. 14. When the Elsie Walker inquest was resumed to-day, William Alfred Bayly, married, aged 22, who was in the witness box practically all Friday, was examined by Mr E. H. Norther oft (counsel for the Bayly family). Witness said that there was no truth in the suggestion of the detective that he had threatened his brother Trevor with a hiding if he said anything about his visit home at the time of Elsie Walker’s disappearance. He had never been on particularly friendly terms with the girl; he had never heard from her when away from home, and had not seen her since her disappearance from Papamoa on October 1, nor had lie any knowledge concerning, her leaving there. This concluded witness’s evidence after oi hours in the box. Mrs Constance Ivy Bayly (aunt of the deceased girl) said that Elsie’s I position in the house was that of companion at. 12s 6d per week. Mrs. Bayly’s evidence finished just as the luncheon adjournment was taken. The principle feature of her testimony was a statement by her ten-year-old son Tom to her that lie had seen his cousin (Elsie Walker) drive a car. Mrs. Bayly stated that on the Saturday before Elsie disappeared the girl had bumped her head on the billiard mom window. “I looked at her head, but there was neither cut nor mark'. She went about her work as usual. Elsie’s principal companions were Maoris.” Witness had been asked by her father to take the girl and give her better environment. Under cross-examination witness said that Elsie was younger than her years, almost as young as her son Tom Bayly. Although 17 she was far too young for love affairs. Witness had an interview with Detective Bickcndike. When he came to discuss Elsie’s clothes he brought a pair of drawers but they were not the ones produced in court. The garments she inspected had no stains on them. Mr Meredith: You don’t recognise these garments ? (indicating those sent to the bacteriologist). Do you suggest they weren’t Elsie’s ? Witness: Yes. { Mr Meredith: Do you know they were taken front the body? Witness: I don’t think they were[her’s, although she had two pairs of Fuji silk. ! The coroner (Mr Hunt): Did yofi handle everv garment the police got?' >—Yes. " , Then you say the drawers shown to you by Detective Bickerdike were not Elsie’s?—Yes. Mr Meredith: Then you suggest she procured another pair after leaving Papamoa?—Yes. Mr Hunt (to Mrs Bayly): . There is' nobody you can suggest who would' be likely to cause more light to- be thrown on the matter? Witness - No. Mr. Hunt: Well, if there is, you let me know, for it’s very unfortunate for voir and your family. I’ll cause- any [inquiry to he made. Witness : Thank you, Mr Hint. The inquiry adjourned for lunch.