ATTEMPT TO KILL WIFE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 11 June 1926, Page 5

ATTEMPT TO KILL WIFE

A HALF-CASTE CHARGED (United Press Association.) PALMERSTON N., This Day. Arising out of a sensation at Awahuri on the night of February 10th, Ernest Taniwha Sutherland, a half-caste Maori was charged at the Police Court with attempting to kill his wife Rangianaua Sutherland, with wilfully setting fire to the dwelling house of his father-in-law, Richard Drammond, with assaulting his mother-in-law, N'gaere Drnmmond, and causing her actual bodily harm. Senior Detective Quirk, for the police, said Mrs Sutherland luad been contemplating separation from her husband and the proceedings were being taken in the Feilding Court the day following the alleged assault. About midnight on February 10, Mrs Sutherland, with her mother and father, with whom she was living, was awakened by a noise and flames. As a result of injuries received Mrs Sutherland was admitted to Palmerston Hospital the following day and remained there until May 29th, and even now was not properly well. Mrs Drummond as a result of her injuries had been in hospital a little over a fortnight. The case was quite a simple one. Accused lost his head and resorted to violence.

Rangianana Sutherland gave evidence that Sutherland was living apart from her in a hut a mile from her father's home. At midnight she heard a noise outside her father's home, and investigated, when her husband approached and struck her several blows with a •blunt instrument: He then made off into the night, While in hospital witness received a letter from her husband asking forgiveness and pleading for a reconciliation; .

Richard Drummond said that on being awakened he went outside and found sacks and old olothes burning under the house. On pulling them out Sutherland struck witness with a garden hoe. ■..■'.-;.