MAREO TRIAL ON FEBRUARY 17

Northern Advocate, 5 February 1936, Page 4

MAREO TRIAL ON FEBRUARY 17

HEARING MAY LAST A FORTNIGHT f Special to "Northern Advocate.'’! AUCKLAND, This Day. The trial of Eric Mareo, musician, of Auckland, on the charge of murder, will comence at the Supreme Court Auckland, on Monday week, February 17.

In October last Mareo, after a hearing at the Police Court lasting four days, was" committed to stand his trial on the charge that on Monday, April 15. 1935, he did murder his wife, Thelma Clarice Mareo, aged 29, by administering the drug veronal. To enable the preparation of the defence the trial was not proceeded with at the final criminal session last November, being stood over for the session which, commenced this morning.

Date Confirmed,

No mention was made of the charge by his Honour Mr Justice Callan in his address to the grand jury yesterday morning, as a true bill against Mareo had been returned in November last. However, the tentative date of February 17, made between counsel for the accused and the Crown, has been confirmed, and the trial will commence on that date.

It is anticipated that about 40 witnesses will be called by the Crown and that the hearing will last two weeks.

As in previous murder trials which have extended over a day, special provision will be made for the accommoi dation of the jury for Tne duration of the trial. Mr Johnson For Crown, Owing to~lhe absence in England of the Crown Prosecutor, Mr V. R. Meredith, who is the manager of the All Black Rugby team, now homeward bound, Mr A. H. Johnson, K.C., of Auckland, has been engaged to present the case for the Crown. He will be assisted by Mr V. N. Hubble.

For the defence, Mr H. F. O’Leary, K.C., of Wellington, has been retained, and he will be assisted by Mr K. C. Aekins and Mr T. Henry, both of Auckland.