MURDER CHARGE.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 May 1924, Page 1

MURDER CHARGE.

BLOOD STAINS BEING IXYESTi GATED. WELLINGTON, .May 23. “It would be scandalous if delay should prejudice my client,” said Mr .I. ]■’. 13. Stevenson iii the Magistrate’s Court, when Joseph Barnett, lately cook at “AYaitangi.” a, hoarding-house in Bmilcott Street, was charged with tlie murder of Walter John AA’hall on May Ist.

Chief Detective Kemp had applied fur a remand until May 28th. and Mr Stevenson opposed the request, stating that delay meant danger to tlie interest' of his client. It was necessary in the interests of justice that the truth, fresh I rum the scene ol tie- alleged clime, should be placed on record at tin- earliest moment. It would b" three weeks to-day Irani the date ot the alleged crime, vim no request or preliminary magisterial inquiry hail been held.

“AA"e are entitled to have the alleged fuels placed on record a.-, soon as possible." said Mr Stevenson. “My client wants the light of truth, and ii would he scandalous it delays should prejudice him. Stories vary, hut there ctin he little doubt that most of the evidence is already in the hands ol the police. If their report is not to hand, why cannot we go ahead, take the evidence and tlion adjourn ii that proves necessary S'” The Magistrate (Mr E. Pago): I think the matter should lie brought on next week. It is a serious, a very serious charge. If the report is not to hand, ill all probability we can go on with the rest of the case, and take other evidence later. Chief-Detective Kemp said that they hoped to have the bacteriologist’s report on certain bloodstains from Auckland next- week. ft is understood that tlie report l*u which the police are waiting is the report as to whcilmr bloodstains on a knife found by the'detectives are those uf a human being or. an animal.