NEW LYNN MURDER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19891, 9 March 1928, Page 10

NEW LYNN MURDER.

ACCUSED MAN IN COURT. REMAND MADE FOR WEEK. VICTIM'S DAUGHTER MARRIED. OPENING OF THE INQUEST. The Police Court was packed to the doors yesterday morning when Allan George Norgrove, aged 27, was charged with murdering his sister-in-law, Mrs. Eniestina Norgrove, at' New Lynn, on Wednesday. At the Registry Office, within 100 yds. of the Court, Miss Mavis Norgrove, daughter of the murdered woman, was married to Mr. Robert George Firth, the parties taking the view that this was the best step in view of tlio ordeal of the forthcoming trial and the fact that the girl is now an orphan. Prior to his appearance in Court Norgrove was escorted to tho office of Mr. W. R. McKean, S.M., coroner, while evidence of identification of the body was given by a relative. Accused, a man of somewhat puny build, was composed when led into the room, but he dropped his head and began to breathe heavily when the statement was being made. At the conclusion of the proceedings he opened his eyes and regained his composure.

A few minutes later Norgrove was led into the dock in tho Court below. His demeanour was steadier than it had been during the opening of the inquest, but his eyes were downcast. On the application of Chief-Detective Hammond the magistrate granted a remand until next Thursday.

As he was escorted from the Courthouse Norgrove had to run the gauntlet of a score of curious eyes. He concealed his face with his arm while walking toward the prison van. Before he vanished from sight a brother-in-law rushed forward and put an arm about his shoulders. His father asked permission to enter the van, but was told he could speak to him at the gaol. Norgrove is a butcher by trade, but has done no work for some time. He has been living with relatives in Sussex Street, Grey Lynn. Shortly after his surrender to the police, Norgrove made a statement, but his counsel, Mr. A. Moody, was not present.