THE PIHA CASE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 117, 18 April 1939, Page 8

THE PIHA CASE

EVIDENCE AT AUCKLAND. CONVERSATIONS RECOUNTED. Per Press Association AUCKLAND, April 18. The hearing of the joint charges against two Australians, Janies Arthur Talbov, aged 43, a labourer, and Gordon Robert McKay, aged 47, alias Tom Bowlnnds, a wool and skin dealer, is continuing before Mr C. R- OrrWalker, S.M. They are charged that, on or about February 12, at Piha, they wilfully set fire to a dwelling bouse, thereby committing the crime of arson; and, further that on or about February 10 they improperly interfered witli a dead human body, that of Patrick Henry Shine.

Maud Selina May Bishop, gave evidenced that she let rooms at her house in Harding Street. A man named Ku Jones called on February 6 with accused Talbot and McKay, stating that they had just arrived by the boat. They took a double room with two beds for a week at £1 weekly. Talbot paid and asked if there was any rebate if they did not stop the week. Witness replied in the negative. McKay was not present when Tnlbot asked that question. On Saturday morning, February 11, McKay had his teetli out. Sho made him bread and milk, and took it into his room, lie said they were going to Piha, and Talbot would be returning, but he (McKay) would not. She did not see McKay again until the other day. She saw Talbot on the Sunday after, when Jones brought him hack. Detective Nalder: Was anything said? Witness: Mr Jones told me about the fire. He said a gentleman had been burnt, lie was very upset. So was I. Witness added that Talbot, who said nothing then, continued to stop at her place, taking a room upstairs. Wilfried Guild Lowrie, a Customs clerk, produced documentary evidence of the arrival of McKay and Talbot by the Mariposa on February C. SON’S EVIDENCE. Trevor William Shine, single, employed on a fishing vessel, and the son of the late Patrick Shine, said that on February 9 he took a wreath to his home in Wellesley Street West, where his father died and his stepmother lived. When he arrived ho saw a friend of his. Allan Viskovieh, with another man in the front of the house. Detective Nalder: Do you know who the other man was? Witness: Yes. It was accused McKay. I was told by Viskovieh that the man wished to speak to me. After taking the wroatli I returned. McKay put out. his hand and said, “Arc you Mr Shine? 4»v Detective Nalrler: Was any mention made as to when your father died? Witness: Yes. Ho asked when father died. 1 said the day before. Witness said he asked the man his name. He replied, “Never mind. Wo won’t worrv about that.”

Detective Nalder: Was anything else said ? Witness: Yes. He hacked away from me. He seemed pretty anxious. He said “Cheerio” 'and went towards Freeman's Bay. He was wearing a, dark suit and darkened classes—hornrimmed (similar to n pair produced). Detective Nalder: Did you see him at the funeral that day ?

Witness: No, I was looking for him, but did not see him.

Witness said he subsequently picked out MeKav in an identification parade at the police station. The date of his father's death was published in the morning newspaper.