MURDER CHARGE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20284, 19 April 1934, Page 13

MURDER CHARGE.

Cook Committed for Trial. TRAGEDY ON STATION. Per Press Association. WAIPUKURAU, April IS. As a sequel to a tragic happening on March 11, Harry Capewell, a cook, appeared in the Magistrate’s Court this morning, charged with the murder of John Williams at Porangahau. The inquest proceedings, adjourned from March 12, were continued simultaneously before Dr H W. M. Kendall, District Coroner. Accused was committed for trial. t Mr H. B. Lusk. Crown Prosecutor, Napier, appeared for the police, and Mr C. G. Harker, of Waipawa, for the accused. Dr Cuthfoert Raymond gave evidence 'that, in his opinion, the wound which caused death could not have been inflicted by deceased. The only external injury to accused was a slight abrasion above the right knee. Constable R. 11. Moss, of Porangahau, who had proceeded to Papakihau station, said that accused appeared to be quite sober and rational There was a trail of blood from the body to the kitchen floor. Constable D. 11. Sutton, of Waipuku* rau, said that accused smelled of drink, but appeared to be sober. Accused ma de a statement which stated that Williams came into the kitchen with a bottle of whisky and a bottle of beer and drank a mixture of the two. Williams attacked accused with a knife, which accused said he took from Williams. He did not remember what he did afterwards but thought there might have been a struggle. Accused reserved his defence and was committed to stand his trial at the next sitting of the Supreme Court at Napier. The inquest was adjourned sine die.