ELSIE WALKER CASE

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 17 August 1929, Page 5

ELSIE WALKER CASE

i CORONER’S SUGGESTION. RE-OPENING OF INQUIRY. DOCTOR TO CONSULT EXPERTS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Aug. 16. The magistrate, Mr. Hunt, the coroner who conducted the inquest in the Elsie Walker case, lias communicated with the Crown Prosecutor at Auckland, suggesting that, in the light of recent developments, either a prosecution be instituted for perjury, or that authority be sought to re-open the inquest. Dr. D. N. W. Murray, police, surgeon at Auckland, who carried out tiie examinations of the body of Elsie Walker and gave lengthy evidence at the inquest, is at present in England on a long vacation. It will be remembered tiiat after the police inquiry which followed the inquest, Dr. Murray resigned his position as police surgeon. It was ascertained to-day that Dr Murray had taken to England with him the full particulars of injuries sustained by Elsie Walker, particularly concerning the bruise, which lie considered unusual. About this Dr. Murray will hold a discussion with eminent pathologists in London, including Sir .Bernard Spilsbury, Home Office pathologist and a world authority. Elsie Walker, aged 17, disappeared from the home of her uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bayly, Papamoa, Bay of Plenty, on October 1. Her body was found near Knox Home, at Tamaki, on October 5. On the same night that the girl vanished the Baylys’ motor-car was taken. The coroner’s inquiry after the formal opening was adjourned, and it was not resumed until January 10. It was conducted by Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., extended over eight days, and created extraordinary public interest.