Alleged Murder.

Manawatu Herald, 4 December 1902, Page 2

Alleged Murder.

The preliminary hearing of the charge of murder against T. F. Moore and Mary Ann Mills in connection with the death at Waipawa of Lottie Ancell was concluded at the Napier Magistrate’s Court. The police desired to call a girl whose address had become known to them when Moore’s correspondence was seized and on whom it was alleged an illegal operation had been performed by Moore some months ago. Argument took place on the matter in camera. The Magistrate ruled the evidence inadmissible. Detective Marsack stated that the prisoner Mills had said to him after Moore’s arrest, “ I had nothing to do with it. It’s him that used to do that, not me.” Referring to the evidence given by her at the inquest she said to the detective, “ I know I told lies, but I did it to screen him. Please, don’t arrest me for my granddaughter’s sake.” Mrs Mills had signed a document at Waipawa in the presence of the police detailing what she knew of the affair. The Crown Prosecutor and counsel for accused agreed that the statement should be read publicly in order that the case might be prejudged. Mr Lusk declared that the statement had been obtained by threats and promises on the part of the inspector of police. He said he intended memtioning the matter in the Higher Court. Detective Marsack, in his evidence, said no promise or inducement had been given to Mrs Mills to say what she did in the signed document. Tine accused, who reserved their Counsel’s request for bail for Moore whose health, he said, was in a most precarious condition, and who would not see the Supreme Court if he had to await trial in gaol, was refused. A similar application in the case of the female prisoner was declined, the Magistrate stating that the case was too serious for him to grant bail.