ARMSTRONG CASE.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 30 June 1938, Page 5

ARMSTRONG CASE.

GREAT PUBLIC INTEREST. HEARING OF CHARGE AGAINST ACCUSED OPENS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The hearing commenced in the Magistrate’s Court to-day of the charge against Douglas Alexander Armstrong, aged 20, fitter and turner, of murdering his father, Edwin Norman Armstrong, at Wellington, on 6th May, Considerable public interest is taken in the case, about two hundred being present in court. Mr. J. 11. Luxford, S.M., presided. The case for the Crown is being conducted by Mr. W. 11. Cunningham with whom is associated Sub-Inspector J. Carroll. Mr. 11. F. O’Leary, with him Mr. D. Foster, Is appearing for Armstrong. A number of exhibits, including a rifle, knives, clothing, suitcase, remains oi another suitcase, mats, tea fray and a roll of matting, form part of the police case. The Crown proposes calling twenty-one witnesses and it is expected the hearing will last two days. Mr. Cunningham did not outline the ease, stating that the story would unfold itself as witnesses were called. William Aitkcn Armstrong, of Wellington, student, said there were four in his family, father mother, brother (accused) and himself. His brother was interested in deer stalking and was in possession of knives which he kept at home. Witness recognised the larger of. the two knives produced in Court and said he might have seen a smaller knife at some stage of its manufacture. His brother always made the knives and his brother also possessed a rifle which witness identified when it was produced. Before witness went to Picton on -May 9th, the police visited his home and clothing was taken from a bedroom. Witness identified his brother’s working t-lothcs and shoes (produced), nnd said that his brother wore them Avheu he left home for work on May 6th.

Cross-examined by Mr. o'.Leary, witness said bis father went to Australia last year and was away about six months, returning about six weeks before liis death. At times, before and after his father’s Australian trip, a bolt had been taken from his brother’s rifle. Witness said that he had feared his father might use the rifle on the others in the family who were in fear of him up to the time of his death. Mary Robb Armstrong, mother of accused, said she was a teacher and had been married to Edwin Norman Armstrong for 22 years. On her return to the house on the afternoon of May oth witness found a note, which, as far as she , could remember, she had put in a wastepaper basket. It began “Good news. Gone to Auckland with dad to work. ’ ’ Next she heard from Douglas was a letter on the following Monday morning. She handed the letter to Mi. O’Leary, Who subsequently read it. In it the son said that because of; his father’s treatment of the family he had killed him. In the course of her evidence Mrs. Armstrong said her husband, who was an accountant, had done only a few odd days of work since 1929 or 1930. She provided money for him to go to Australia because he was difficult to live with on account of his mental outlook. There was an understanding that he was to stay in Australia and receive from her £lO per month for his keep, but he returned. Conditions were much worse after his return. She had no fear for her own safety, but was concerned for her sons. She had heard her husband threaten the sons and had seen him act violently towards them. Generally speaking, her husband’s apparent mental outlook was such that she expected at any time his brain would snap and the boys be murdered. Charles Aphony Wilfred Wheeler, taxi-driver, said that about 1.15 p.m. on May 6th accused, who had two bags with him, directed witness to drive him to . the Union Steamship Company and to the Tamahine. Witness remarked that flie bags were rather hpavy and accused replied that he had some “ venison.’’ When accused left the cab witness noticed there was some blood on the car mat, whereuponaccused apologised. Constable William John Harper, of Picton, described finding the suitcase at Picton wharf on May 7lh. He was present at the morgue when the case w ag opened. There was a man s bod}, minus the head and legs in it. Witness was also present at Picton wharf when the diver brought to the surface a suitcase containing a man’s head and legs, together with some clothing and a pair of shoes. The first suitcase was found at a point immediately behind the stern end of the Tamahine’s usual berthing place. _ _ The hearing is still iirocecding.