ELSIE WALKER’S INQUEST

Horowhenua Chronicle, 17 January 1929, Page 7

ELSIE WALKER’S INQUEST

Constable’s Serious Charges

BRING HOT WORDS PROM COUNSEL.

AUCKLAND, Last Night. Further evidence was given this afternoon at the inquest before Mr F. K. Hunt, Croner, concerning-the death of the girl, Elsie Walker. In the course of Detective-Sergeant Kelly's evidence he said that, one of the blind clues was a statement by a man? who declared that he saw a stranger coming out of the paddock (where the body was found) on the afternoon of October 2, subsequent to thee ar being found abandoned. Constable Jackson, of To Puke, described his investigations in the district. Inquiries by - witness showed there was no one missing from rho Bayly family on Saturday morning. About 3.40 a telegram was received Hmt the body of the girl had been found at Panraure. He went by cur to see Buyly without delay. He went again at 1J o'clock, but Bayly had gone. Mrs. Bayly gave a statement and on this occasion it was found that one of the members of the family, the son, William, was in Auckland.

“I found out quite a lot from her in the absence of Bayly," continued the witness. Witness next communicated with th» Hamilton police and advised then* about the key, Bill's absence in Auckland and also said he suspected him. Witness said the father had left for Auckland and would arrive at li o'clock that night. Ho suggested they get Bill Bayly at once before the police arrived, otherwise they would never find out anything about the case. He said to the police at Hamilton: "Ho is a shrewd man is Mr. Bayly." On the Wednesday when witness saw Mr. Bayly, he gathered there was something wrong. He was silling in a chair between his wife and witness while the statement was being obtained. Bayly stated (witness said) to his wife; "Don't tell him too much, mother. Leave it to me. I’ve got more brains than you have." Witness assured Bayly it was quite all right and that Mrs. Bayly was giving the desired statement.

When the car was found Mrs. Bayly asked whether she could withdraw tho information. Witness formed the impression then that something was wrong. Ho did not know even then the son was missing. The little boy said Elsie could drive the car all right, but Mr. and Mrs. Bavly pooh-poohed the idea.

“Leave it to me, mother. I'll iix it," said Bayly, referring to the withdrawal of the information. lie said ho had some influential friends.

Mr. Northcroft: I take it you are the author of the Bill Bayly theory i Mr. Hunt: I think this witness is the brightest spot in the box so far. Mr. Northcroft: That is as 1 expected. That has been your attitude all through. Witness said that when the car was found there seemed to be no desire on tho part of Mr. and Mrs. Bayly to proceed further.

“1 think we can look upon you as the originator of the Bill Bayly theory/' suggested Mr. Northcroft. This the witness denied, but he admitted he was the first to get information.

Mr. Northcroft: This extravagant matter you have given was reported by you to your headquarters ?—I submitted reports. Mr. Northcroft: Conversations between witness and his superiors have been related without the police reports being produced. To slander people from tho witness-box in this manner and to stop short of Jetting us seo the official documents that contain these fantastic matters is a gross injustice/’ Again Mr. Northcroft asked if the reports would be produced. The Coroner; I have no power to produce documents. You can call your clients and get their version if you like • and then the public can judge. This poor girl is found dead and 1 want to satisfy her father that this country is going to do all it can to find out injustice to my clients. What this witness had been permitted and invited to say/' said counsel, “has been the vehicle of the gravest slander/* Mr. Meredith (Crown Prosecutor); This witness has been called by tho police as inquiries have been made from the railway, post office and other officials in the district which indicate after the most careful combining that there is no evidence of young Bayly being in the district at the time, in the face of that it as insult to the police. It was most improper and ingracious and should be withdrawal.

Mr. Northcroft: William Bayly '3 movements on Wednesday were questioned with the greatest particularly and whether or not tho headquarters of police knew that Bayly had formed tne intention on Sunday to go to Henderson on Monday. That fact was not Known until it was got from Constable Bwon by Bayly. The inquiry was adjourned till tomorrow.