STATION TRAGEDY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 16 August 1944, Page 4

STATION TRAGEDY

MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER Masterton, Aug. 15

On a charge of having murdered Peter James Louis, at Tyneside, 16 miles from Masterton, on 27th July, Douglas Fraser, alia; Angus Fraser, appeared on remand to-day. lan Alistair Riddiford Macrae said that the accused worked for him. Shortly before 1 o'clock on the morning of the tragedy Fraser came to the house and said, "I’ve killed Peter. I thought I saw a snake going up the wall and I hit him with an axe. I thought he might not be dead, so I hit him again twice.” The accused had been drinki 3 and appeared excited and hysterical. Witness quietened the accused, and on pretence of ringing for a doctor com.runicaled with the police. Fraser endeavoured to get away, but witness persuaded him to Wait for the "doctor.”

Police evidence was to the effect that when they got to Tyneside the accused stated: "I killc ’ poor little Peter. I thought I saw a snake, and hit Peter. I thought I was hitting the snake with the axe. I could not see him suffer, so I gave him two more.” It was quite obvious that the accused had been drinking. A statement was subsequently made by the accused and signed. The accused said he had been drinking heavily for a week prior to the tragedy, which occurred in the sleeping quarters on the station, Louis being in bed at the Mme. After other evidence had been heard the accused pleaded not guilty and was committed for trial at the next sitting oi the Supreme Court in Wellington. —P.A.