ALLEGATIONS OF CRUELTY

Taranaki Daily News, 29 July 1929, Page 11

ALLEGATIONS OF CRUELTY

WAERENGA FARMER CHARGED

WAS WIFE DENIED NECESSITIES?

ELMSLEY COMMITTED FOR TRIAL.

By Telegraph.—Press A eolation

Auckland, July 27.

The hearing of the charge against peter Alexander Elm.sley of denying his wife the necessities of life concluded in the Police Court this morning, when- further evidence of a sensational character was given. Accused' daughter Justine, aged 15-t, said her mother and father never trot on well, together. Counsel: ‘‘Did youx\ mother ever say she was starving?” Witness: “No, but she often said she was hungry.” Asked if s’ l ® hud stuck needles into her mother the girl said “yes, but not lately.” “Why did you do that?” she was asked, and replied, “because she annoyed U.S ”

Further evidence of conditions at the Elmsley home was given by neighbours. One woman said, she frequently- “planted” food in the trees for Mrs. Elmsley, who was afraid, to have it delivered to the house because of her husband. James Bruce, of Waerenga, farmer, said he recently invited the Elmsley® to his house to hear the radio. Witness told the story of the man who had sold his wife for a glass of whisky. Accused said, “I would sell mine for less than that'. I would give him one to. take her away,” Detective Biekerdyke said accused, when arrested, said he haff always treated his wife well. Later he said he would like to make a statement, which, was that his wife was a truthful and moral woman and th&fc anything she said, would be the truth.

Accused pleaded not guilty and was committed for trial.