MATARAKA TRAGEDY.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 February 1924, Page 3

MATARAKA TRAGEDY.

ACCUSED’S ADMISSION

[I!Y Tt: [. KG It AT ll PElt PRESS ASSOCIATION.] GISBORNE, February 22. The proceedings were very prolonged in the ease tit the S.YI. Court in which Robert H. Scott is charged witn t!i* minder on January IB of Guotidoi• i:i• Catherine Murray, aged 12 years. No fewer than 27 witnesses gave, evidence. This showed that the prisoner worked at the tliik.s Bay Freezing Works, and he was walking down to Gisborne for work. He was given a lift in a motor ear to Gisborne. Later ho walked to Ylataraka, about three miles from Gisborne, and on the way Ii; was met b,v a motorist, and given a lift, and also .some money to take ike train In Mutawai. where he said lie was going to work. Ollier evidence .showed that the accused eiime hack to town, and was seen later on the mad to Mntarnkn. and that about eight o'clock a man resembling the accused was seen talking to the girl Murray, who hud been scut by her ntollter on a message. Next meriting the gitl was found murdered. The doctor's evidence showed the girl I ad been xtiangled. and. in his opinion taped or outraged. The Inspector of police gave evidence as to arreslinp; the accused near Motu. where the act used made a statement to the police, in the statement, the accused said he met tt girl who said site uas frightened ~ml lie offeied to go a portion of the way with her. Alter going down the lam . ho poshed lit.'gitl down, and interfered with her. He had hold of her by tltc throat when be pushed her down. She screamed out, and tic caught hot by flic throat. When she was on the ground he til tempted to have connection with her. hut did not do so, lie soil of came to himself, ami pulled for dress down. She then moved, and lie askcil if .she mold hear him, hut she did ii.ni answer. He realised what, lie b.v*i done, and ran away. On January 21 lie ftiily realised his crime, am! he gave himself up to the police. The accused was committed for trial.