OHIRO ROAD TRAGEDY

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7269, 23 September 1933, Page 7

OHIRO ROAD TRAGEDY

Woman's Death Consistent With Knife Wounds

BOY’S END APPARENTLY DUE TO DROWNING

Per Press Association,

WELLINGTON, Last Night.

The hearing of evidence in the murder charge against George Edward James', engine-driver, was continued to-day, before Mr. E. Page, S.M. Dr. Nissen, house surgeon at the Hospital, stated in evidence that he saw accused when admitted at about 2 p.m. on June 30th and he was conscious, but did not volunteer any answers to questions. Witness did not detect any sign of alcoholic liquor in his breath. With the exception of small cuts on the arms, accused did not show any signs of violence. About 7 p.m. witness again examined the accused, and asked him about his previous condition, and James replied that he had been worried over the last three weeks and had been suffering from pains over the front of the eliest. He said he had had a return attack of malaria about two weeks previously. Witness said ho told James he had been found in the harbour, but James said he did not recollect how he came there. The last he remembered was when he was in Lambton Quay iu the morning and had had two or three drinks. Witness said that accused subsequently developed mild bronchitis, and was kept in the hospital till his chest condition was cleared up. He was discharged on July 21st and placed in the custody of the police.

In- answering numerous questions regarding accused's health and demeanour in the hospital, witness said there was no striking deviation from normal. He appeared normal in bodily health and mind. Witness examined accused before the police interview of July 2nd and accused's mind was clear and he was in a fit state to make a statement.

Dr. Lynch, pathologist at the Hospital, gave particulars of the deceased woman’s injuries, and said he was of opinion that they could have been caused by the knife which was produced. The wounds on the hands could have been, caused by grabbing a knife and having it withdrawn from the grasp. Death was due to haemorrliago from wounds in the throat. The internal appearances of the dead boy’s body was typical of death by drowning. The wounds on the woman’s hands and throat could not have been self-inflicted.

Cora King said that on June 29 Smith and her son had lunch at her home. While they were there the accused called at the house. Mrs. Smith asked the accused if he had seen a certain party, whose name witness did not catch, and ho replied that he had. Mrs. Smith asked the accused what ho (the certain party) had said, and tho accused replied ho would tell her when ho got (home. The accused remained at the house for about 10 minutes, and while he was there he arranged with Mrs. Smith to meet her later in the afternoon at Veitch and Allan’s corner. The accused then left the house. Mrs. Smith and tho boy left at 3 p.m. to go to meet the accused. That was tho last sho saw of them.

Annie Tail said that, on May 25 tho accused sold her a sewing machine for £4. He said that his wife had died and that he was breaking up his home.

Mrs Rouse in. the Box Pansy May House said that the accused was her foster-father. The wife of tho accused, who was witness’s foster-mother, died on January 20 of this year. Witness said that she lived with her foster-parents until April, 1931, when she married. Witness said that she was tho sole beneficiary under her fostor-mother’s will, and that had caused a littlo trouble between witness and her foster-father. About tho beginning of May of this year the accused called on witness and made a reference to a Mrs. Smith, and said that they hoped to get married soon. Witness said that the letter which had been found on tho wharf was in tho accused’s handwriting, and was addressed to her.

Mr. Macasscy, to witness: Can you tell us if the accused enjoyed good health? —Yes, as far as I know he had quite good health.

Did you ever know him to he subject to fits.—No.

Noel Howard Rouse, a solicitor, said that ho acted as solicitor for the executor of the late Mrs: Jameses estate. The accused came to his office one evening after Mrs. James’s death and said that if lie (Rouse) could not arrange for him to have some money he would consult a solicitor and contest the will, as he was up against it and on relief work. James was told that if he was destitute Rouse would do what he could to supply him with food and clothing, but witness could not give him any money. James appeared to be satisfied.

Cross-examined by Mr. Leicester, witness said that he was a brother-in-law of the previous witness, Mrs. Rouse.

Constable McManus, who guarded accused in hospital, said he appeared quite rational, but once said he had been worrying all day. Constable Rush, who was on similar duty, said accused sometimes complained of pains in his head. Ho broke down when told that Noel’s body had been found, saying that ho loved the boy dearly. He said his wife left everything to her daughter, who would not help him. During the last month or two he often went hungry, as he'was only getting 13/2 from relief work. Whenever a doctor visited him his cough seemed to get worse.

Detective-Sergeant Jarrold said he interviewed accused in hospital on July 2 with Chief Detective Carroll. Accused said die saw Mrs. Smith and Noel last at Miss King’s place and his mind was a blank for the last two days. He had not seen them since lie had left King’s house. When told of the death of Mrs. Smith, he said: “I don’t remember anything.’’ Mr. Macasscy intimated there were

several more witnesses and the fo-g was admurmsd tall