COOPER MURDER TRIAL.

Wairarapa Age, 13 March 1923, Page 2

COOPER MURDER TRIAL.

ADJOURNED TILL TO-DAY. After a small amount of evidence yesterday morning, the hearing of charges of murder against Daniel Richard Cooper, and his wife, Martha Elizabeth Cooper, was adjourned till to-day, when evidence which will occupy about five minutes will be heard. This will complete the evidence on the charge of murder. Yesterday morning’s evidence, before Mr E. Page, S.M., concerned the police inquiries after the reported disappearance of Irene Beadle’s second child. Evidence was given to show that the adoption of the child was not registered in Wellington or Palmerston North under the name of Beadle. Detective McLennan said he saw accused at the detectives’ office in the presence of his solicitor. He then informed accused of the birth of the child, and said the child was last in his possession at Johnsonville, and asked if accused had anything to say. The same day witness saw the female accused, and asked for information. Each replied: “I have nothing to say.” Eate in January a written demand for the child was delivered to each accused. Production was required within two days. Detective Jarrold corroborated the evidence of the previous witness. Witness added that Cooper said it was impossible for him to produce the children while he was in custody. ■Witness offered to do anything to locate the children. At this stage, Mr Macassey asked fßF"an adjournment to enable him to produce evidence To show that the adoption of the second Beadle cffl» had not been registered under the 5 name of Cooper. This course was adopted. The accused were then jointly charged in connection with the alleged unlawful detention of four children. The informations were amended to read: “On 29th January, 1923 —” this being the date upon which the written demand-s served by the police for the production of the children expired. The infants, the subject of the charges, were —(1) The male child of Hugo Lupi and Lily Lester; (2) the male child of Beatrice Irene Beadle; (3) the female child of Margaret Mary McLeod and William James Welsh; and (4) the child of Beatrice Irene Beadle. All witnesses were in turn recalled, and after being resworn, they listened wlr*T tue cTeposTfions were read over to them. These they again signed.