CHARGE OF MURDER.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18878, 23 February 1933, Page 8

CHARGE OF MURDER.

DEATH OF A WOMAN. LABOURER IN THE DOCK. TRAGEDY AT PAPATOETOE. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Thursday. The hearing of a charge aga'nst Thomas Francis Clark (33), labourer, of murdering Bertha May Bennett at Papatoetoe, on January 17, began at the Otahuhu Police Court. Deceased’s mother said accused was often at deceased’s house. He had spoken to witness about his regard for .Mrs Bennett, and said things would be different after Christmas. Alfred George Hamilton, freezing works foreman, said he had been living at Mrs Bennett’s home for eight or nine years. There were no relations between them. Cross-examined by the Crown Prosecutor, Mr Meredith, witness said he and deceased slept In the same bed. Witness said Clark was a frequent visitor to the house. On the night of January 17 witness retired about 9.15. Clark had arrived about 7.30. Deceased’s daughter and a man named Robert Hall were also there. A few minutes after nine o’clock Clark went to catch his horse, and deceased saw him off. On returning there was nothing unusual about Mrs Bennett’s demeanour and soon aftrewards she retired. to bed.

« You Get Out of This!" Witness continued that when he retired Mrs Bennett was In bed. He went to sleep but was awakened by hearing Mrs Bennett say, “ What are you doing in here, Frank? You get out of this at once.” A second later there was the report of a gun in the room, which was dark. The flash of the gun camo from the foot of the bed. He could not see who had the gun, but saw the form of a man backing out of the door. He made a dive to get hold of the man, tot the door shut on him. While he was trying to open Hie door he heard the report of a gun from the next room. He then switched on the light, and the man said- “It’s all right. I only had two cartridges.” Witness said, “ Goodness Frank, whatever are you doing; You’have shot Mrs Bennett.” Accused replied, “I haven’t half, done enough. I’ve missed myself.” witness then went for the police.