TRIAL FOR MURDER

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2085, 21 May 1907, Page 3

TRIAL FOR MURDER

RASHNESS

A DISAPPOINTED LOVER’S

Press Association.

WELLINGTON, last night. The trial of Claude Paget, charged with the murder of Eleanor, Pearl Axup, on February 12tli, was commenced to-day, before Mr. Justice

Cooper. Paget pleaded not guilty, and was defended by Mr. T. M. AYilford. Mr. M. Myers appeared for tho Crown.

The general circumstances of this case were fully published at the time of its occurrence. The docoasod girl w«|s 17 years of age'; and Pa got had boon on friendly terms for some months, and they had boon in the habit of walking out together. He had asked her father for the girl in marriage, but had been refused, on tlio ground of her tender years. On the evening of February lltli Paget visited the house occupied by the girl, Paget being then, according to the mother, under the influence of drink. He said ho was going away next da3 T to San Francisco., and bade them good-bye. Parly next morning, however, he visited the house again, and, on the girl coming ‘downstairs, ho followed her into the diningroom. A minute or two afterwards shots were heard, and on Mrs. Axup rushiug into the room she found the girl lying on the floor dead, wifth a bullet wound in her neck, and the man unconscious. It was alleged that on the previous day prisoner had purchased the revolver and cartridges found in his possession at an ironmonger’s in the city. The evidence of the girl’s mother and the cook at tho house wasi taken to-day, and tho further hearing was adjourned until to-morrow.