A SERIOUS CHARGE

Southland Times, Issue 19545, 8 May 1925, Page 7

A SERIOUS CHARGE

ATTEMPTED MURDER ALLEGED.

YOUNG MAN COMMITTED FOR

(Per United Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, May 7

A violent assault, committed on a young woman named Gertrude Best in Upper Queen street on the night of April 15, was recalled this morning when her brother, Albert Edward Best (28) appeared before Mr J. W. Poynton, S.M., charged with attempted murder of his sister. Two alternative charges of assaulting her and wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm were also preferred. Chief-Detective Cummings prosecuted, while Mr Alan Moody appeared for accused. Gertrude Best said she was 26 years of age and single. For two years until last Christmas, she kept house for accused at Hamilton. He had a coal and firewood business at Hamilton until shortly before Christmas. While keeping house for accused, she was often frightened by her brother, who was sometimes sober and sometimes drunk. About March 25 last, witness came to Auckland and went to live in Waverley street. Accused came to Auckland on April 10. W’itness was keeping company with a Mr Scholz, but her brother did not want .her to keep company with Scholz, because, he said, he w’as a German.

Witness told how her brother attacked her with a razor in the street. She was badly cut and was still being treated as an out-patient of the Hospital. She said her brother had had intercourse with her. She had always objected. Mr Moody objected to this evidence. Eileen Florence Best gave evidence to the effect that accused was often in liquor and knocked her sister about.

Dr Murray gave evidence regarding the serious injuries sustained by Gertrude Best. Witness also saw accused at the watchhouse after the alleged assault; his hands were covered with blood and his actions indicated that he had had some liquor. Sergeant Lambert said that shortly after 8 o’clock on the night of April 15 he saw a crowd in Upper Queen street. On investigating he found Gertrude Best lying on the footpath covered in blood with her neck, face and hands cut. She said: “He did it,” pointing to her brother. Accused, when asked by witness why he had assaulted his sister, said, “I don’t know.” A number of other witnesses gave evidence. Ernest Alfred Scholz said he was from Western Australia. His father was also a native of Australia. Senior-Detective Ward said accused denied the improprieties alleged by his sister. Accused pleaded not guilty and was committed for trial. Counsel did not press for bail.