MURDER HEARING OPENS

Chronicle (Levin), 15 September 1947, Page 5

MURDER HEARING OPENS

Press Association) - ;

Evidenee Of Dead Woman's Husband

(Per

AUCKLAND, Sept. 15. As a sequel to the discovery of the body of Mrs. Gladys Ruth Rusden with head injuries in the kitchenette of her home at One Tree Hill on June 5/ Mrs. Pansy Louise Frances Haskell, aged 49, was charged before the magistrate, Mr. J. H. Luxford, S.M., to the Police Court today with the murd.er of Mrs. Rusden. The court's public gallery - was crowded before 9 a,m. . and Mrs. - Haskell's name was. not ! called until 10.30. i Mr. V. R. Meredith, with Mr, G. ' D. Speight, appeared for the Crown. Accused was represented by Mr. M. Robinson. Formal evidenee was given by the first three witnesses. The fourth witness was Richard Alfred Rusderi, husRand of the murdered woman. He said he was married on March 19, 1924, and at the time of his wife's death they were iiving at 3.7 Horotiu Road. He first met the accused over two and ahalf years ago, and up till then his relations with his wife had been quite friendly. Rusden said he was friendly with Mrs, Haskell, . who was , formerly Mrs. Frost, while she was living at Howick. While there they were on intimate relations. These relations continued for a couple of months, when Mrs. Haskell went to "Liberty House" in Upper Queen Street. He had visited her there and intimacy had taken place. His v/ife knew of this. She had first learnt (6f it through an anonymous letter. Rusden added that the anonymous letter was dated May 18, 1945. He had notihng to do with the writing of the letter. There. was trouble with his wife over. the receipt of thata letter. He showed the letter to accused, who denied all knowledge of it. Rusden said that on the nights he stayed with Mrs. Haskell he told his wife he was on duty in the army. Accused came to his home one night in March, 1946, and said she had come as she wanted his wife to divorce him. Mrs. Haskell told his wife she would never want ' if she freed him, but liis wife would have notihng to do with it as she would never divorce him. His wife called Mrs. Haskell a eertain name. Mrs. Haskell was very annoyed. Mrs. Haskell returned to the house the following morning and again spoke of a divorce to his wife. She told his wife she would have him "at any cost." Questioned by his wife, Mrs. Haskell admitted a eertain matter, witness continued. His wife was horrified. Witness said he got his bag and left with Mrs. Haskell. They both went. to "Liberty House," where witness stayed for about a week, occupying the same room as Mrs. Haskell. He returned home and asked his wife if she would have him back. That night he went back on army duty and afterwards returned home and stayed. He hnished with the army about March 28, 1946. He lived at home, but still visited Mrs. Haskell through her persistently not leaving him alone. The case is proceeding.