HOROWHENUA

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 77, 28 February 1938, Page 12

HOROWHENUA

(From Our Own Correspondent.) OTAKI. Feb. 25. A labourer, Wjlliam Charles Norman, was on Wednesday arrested by Constable Barrett, and yesterday appeared before Messrs H, Nicolson and 11. Windley, J.P.’s, charged with comm.ttting a serious offence on an unmarried woman. The evidence showed that in response to an advertisement complainant had been engaged as housekeeper. She arrived by train on Tues* day night and was met by Norman, who is living apart from his wile and family, and escorted to his house on one of the main roads leading into the town. After supper, it was stated, he suggested a drop of wine, and after a time she stated her intention of retiring. During the night site heard the door of her room opon and called out, “Is anyone there?" She received no response and then endeavoured to switch on the electric light but this failed, so she placed her suitcase against the door, which had no key, and drew up the blind. Accused, she stated, later entered the room and committed the offence alleged, in the meantime striking the woman to such an extent that she was badly bruised. She then escaped but in getting through a fence was caught in a barbed wire, when accused again caught her, inflicting further injuries. Her screams aroused a Native lad who rushed to her assistance, holding accused while she made good her escape. The police were communicated with and accused eventually arrested. Accused pleaded not guilty to the charge and was committed for trial at Palmerston North on May 2. Bail was refused.