PORANGAHAU TRAGEDY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 118, 18 April 1934, Page 8

PORANGAHAU TRAGEDY.

MURDER CHARGE PREFERRED. Per Press Association. WAPUKURAU, April 18. As a sequel to the tragic happening on March 11, Harry Capewell, a cook, appeared in the Magistrate’s Court this morning on remand, charged with the murder of John Williams at Porangahau. The inquest proceedings which were adjourned on March 12 were continued simultaneously before Dr H. W. M. Kendall, District Coroner. Mr H. B. Lusk, Crown Prosecutor at Napier, appeared for the police, and Mr C. G. Marker, of Waipawa, for accused. James Cecil Neale a registered surveyor employed by the Lands and Survey Department at Napier, was the first witness called by the Crown. He said that on March 20, at the request of the police, he visited the Papakihau station, Porangahau, in the company of Detective-Sergeant Bickerdike and Constable Sutton. The men’s quarters were pointed out to him. Witness took measurements and jirepared a plan of the building (now produced) . Walter Thomas Budge, who has been employed at the Papakihau station for about 20 years, gave evidence that he knew deceased, who was also employed at the station but left to go to the Porangahau station about three months before. Witness had known accused since January 1. Capewell had been employed as a cook at the Papakihau station from that date. On Sunday, March 11, witness was at the station at teatime. Accused also was there. Witness saw Williams at the station about five o’clock. He came through the diningroom when the employees were having tea and went into the kitchen. Capewell also was there. Williams appeared to be jovial and witness thought be may -have had “a spot or two,” although witness would not say he was drunk. He often came to the station. Witness noticed a bottle of beer in Williams’s pocket. Witness, with other employees, went on to the back verandah and later Capewell and Williams also came there. He heard Williams say to Capewell he “was not going to take these jokes from him.” Capewell said it was quite alright. Williams appeared to be looking for trouble. Capewell went towards the kitchen and Williams remained a few minutes chatting.