MAORI WOMAN FOR TRIAL

Chronicle (Levin), 18 July 1946, Page 8

MAORI WOMAN FOR TRIAL

BOTORUA, Julv 17. Evidence in the charge of murder of her husband, John Leach, at Kahoroa on JuJy_ 1, preferred against a Maori woman, Ada Leach, aged 30, oecupied the Alagistrate 's Court all day today. Ivir. S. L. Patterson, S.M., was on the bench. Deceased was a three-cjuarter easte Maori, aged 40, and manager of a farm property awned by Mr. H. N. »Stafford of Rotorua,' in whose emplov the couple had been for three years. On the day prior to the tragedy accused had left Rotorua Ilospital, wliere she had been] undergoing treatment at her own request. During her stay there, according to the evidence of Dr. 10. TI. Bridg nia'n, medical superintendent, her conduct had been irrational and she had coniplained of various imaginery happenings. Lengtliv evidence was given by Alrs. Joey Newton, sister of the deceased man, who was staying at the farm cottag'o during Tlrs. Leach 's absence in hospital. This witness said tliat when deceased had returned for luncli at .11.15 a.m., she lieard a noise and on eiileriug Ihe liouse found accused witli

a sliotgun in her Jiaud and deceased lying on the fioor between the kitclien and bedroom. Accused said: "J have. shot your brother," and added tligt she was going to kill herself. Tliey wrestled for the weapon and witness seeured .it but as she was about to summon hel]> liy the telephone in the liouse, she turned round to discover accused had a .22 ealibre rifle. There, was a struggle for this weapon also and in the course of it Ihe rifle was discharged. Mrs. Leach retained it and then slood in the yard with the muzzle held liard under her chin and a thumb. on the trigger. Other w.itnesses had arrived at intervals after the sliooting and while tliey were struggling • for Ihe rifle. Accused had said that tliey had made a broadcast of her and that she had lieard it over the air. John Riehard Eleming and David Set on, neighboiiring- farmei's descrilied how thev had persuaded Alrs. Iveaeh to surrendel* the rifle but at everv approach she had threatened to slvoot herself and kept a firm grip of the weapon. Dr. 'I1. C. Trott, of Rotorua, who arrived on a telephone sunimonagave evidence oi: his eil'orts for over half an liour to socnre the rifle without effeet. Witness asked if he could see the man who was luirt as at the time he did not know Leach was dead. Accused answered that he was lying in tiie house and witness saw the man was beyond medical aiu. Accused then made a stateiiient* to witness about a serial reported by Mrs. Newton. As gceused looked away momentarily witness juuiped forward and pushed tlie barrel aside. The rifle discharged, the shot goiag through tlie roof. Later the p>olico arrived and accused was taken to Rotorua. Evidence was also given by Senior Sergeant X. S. Alilligaiij by Detective Sergcanl A. J. While (who conducted tlie case for the poliee), and Senior Detective Kellv. Accused was remanded to appear in tlie Supreme Court at Hamilton next Tuesday week. Nlr. H. (). Cooiiey appeared for accused.