NEWLANDS SENSATION

Southland Times, Issue 19757, 3 February 1923, Page 5

NEWLANDS SENSATION

COOPER COMMITTED FOR TRIAL (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, February 3. Daniel Richard Cooper was committed for trial to-night on seven charges of attempting to procure miscarriage and two of attempting to supply women with a certain noxious matter for the same purpose, and of doing a certain act to achieve the same result. The hearing of the evidence occupied three days. Cooper bore himself with an air of self-possession throughout, but evinced surprise when evidence was called in connection with the death of a young woman in the Wellington Hospital some weeks ago. Witnesses to-day gave evidence of negotiations and operations similar to those described earlier. One married woman related that she introduced a young woman friend to Cooper, who said he thought he would be able to help the girl, but first must have a letter from witness taking all responsibility. He always got such letters in the case of trouble. Cooper dictated a letter and witness signed it, and the girl signed another similar letter. Later after her marriage, her husband fruitlessly sought to secure the return of the letters. Dr. Harrison, house-surgeon at the Wellington Hospital remembered a certain girl’s admission in October, 1922. She died after an immediate operation. There was no indication of an instrument having been used, nor anything to show that a miscarriage had been obtained. The girl’s brother related his sister’s refusal to see a doctor, and identified a letter-card addressed to Cooper. Police evidence was then given. Detective Harold said that Cooper asked him to take care of some correspondence and not to hand it to the detectives as if they got hold of it “he would fall in, and so would a good many other good people in Wellington.” The letters were handed to witness’s superior officers. Other detectives related observations on visits to Cooper’s house and happenings at the police station. Cooper’s statement, also produced, stated that he was 39 years old and practised the last five years as a health specialist. He had given advice to clients along certain lines. The Magistrate, Mr Page, refused counsel’s application that Cooper be committed to the May session of the Supreme Court and committed him for trial at next week’s session.