THE AWAHURI SENSATION

Hokitika Guardian, 11 June 1926, Page 3

THE AWAHURI SENSATION

SUTHERLAND IN C-OURT. [iJY TEI.EG K A I’ll —FEK I’ll ESS ASSOCIATION’.] PALMERSTON NORTH, June 11. Arising out of 11 sensation at AwaImri on the night of Eebiuary 10th, Ernest Taniwha Sutherland, a. halfcaste Maori, was charged at the Police Court with attempting to kill his wife. Raugiauaua Sutherland; with wilfully setting fire to the dwelling house of his father-in-law. Richard Drummond, with assaulting Ids mother-in-law, Ncaere Drummond and causing her actual bodily .harm. Senior-Detective Ouirke for the police, said Airs Sutherland iliad been contemplating a separation from her husband and proceedings were being taken in the Feilding Court, the day following alleged assault. About' mid-night on February 10th Mrs Sutherland with her mother and father, with whom she was living, were awakened by a noise and flames. As the result of injuries received Airs Sutherland was admitted to Palmerston Hospital the following day and remained there until Afay 29th. Even now she was not yet properly well. 'Mrs Drummond, as the result of her injuries, had been in hospital a- little over a fortnight. The ease was quite a simple one: Accused had lost his head, and resorted to violence. Ranginawa Sutherland gave vcidenee that Sutherland was living apart from her in a hut a mile from her father’s home. At mid-night she heard a noise outside her father’s home and investigated, when her husband approached and struck her several blows with a blunt instrument. He then made off into the night. While in hospital witness received a letter from her husband asking forgiveness and pleading for reconciliation. Richard Drummond said on being awakened he went outside and found sacks and old cTothes burning under the house. On pulling them out Sutherland struck witness with a garden hoe.

(Proceeding.)