KAIKORAI TRAGEDY.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume Li, Issue 16894, 26 November 1925, Page 11

KAIKORAI TRAGEDY.

(Per Press Association.) DUNEDIN, this day. The hearing of the charges of murder of three children against Ellen Ilart, in connection with the Kaikorai tragedy, was continued in the Police Court this altemon. Gladys Blanche Newell stated that she went to Mrs Upton’s house on November 9. Accused was in the sitting room, and threw her arms around witness’ neck, stating: “Whatever you think, its nothing but religion made me do it. 1 was getting the children ready for school, and on the spur of the moment 1 did it, but they did not, want to go. Wo had decided to live a Christian life, and confessed our pasts to one another. My husband said lie would forgive rne everything, but that there were things God would never forgive me for.” Dr. Evans deposed as to the fatal wounds, also minor wounds on accused's nock. She had been crying, but was calm and collected. She told witness that she did not know what had conic over her to kill the children, but now she realised it- was a wrong thing to do. Enter at the Police Station accused told him that coming from church the previous night her husband said that God would forgive all her sins, but there was one which he could not, and therefore he (her husband) could not. She also said that before leaving on November 9 her husband kissed all the children, and asked whether there would be anyMnore quarrels. She said “No,” also that a fortnight previously her husband and she agreed to confess past sins. He came home one evening and told her that after hearing a. preacher he attended another meeting, which changed his views on religion. Sergt. Dunlop stated that when leaving for the Police Station the accused cried: “I shouldn’t have done it.” Detective Farquharson stated that, when lie read the charge to the accused' she said: “Oh, don’t tell me they’re all gone.” Accused was committed for trial. Chief-Detective Lewis, referring to Hie inquest, said the evidence of the husband might be called, he being the last to see the children alive. The Magistrate said no useful purpose would he served. The husband could .not be called in connection with the murder, and it would be improper to call him for the inquest. He found that the children died from injuries inflicted by accused with a razor, there not being suilicient evidence to show tier mental condition at, the time. On the suggestion of Mr Cal lan. the Magistrate recommended to the Minister that accused be detained in a mental hospital pending the trial.