GISBORNE TRAGEDY

Hokitika Guardian, 14 April 1927, Page 4

GISBORNE TRAGEDY

[by TELEGRAPH PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

GISBORNE, April 13.

James Oman stated he and Miss Bennett had talked over marriage four days before the tragedy, but no decision as to the date was made, till the night before. Deceased was friendly with Nowell but had not advised him to proceed with the marriage. His wife had formerly been friendly with Nowell. Tt had been desired to let no one know of the wedding with the exception of the parents ol both parties. Witness gave details of the shooting as already published, affirming that only one shot was fired through the window, though lie heard three shots fired, and some time later a fourth shot. Noelina Victoria Oman (formerly Miss Bennett) stated she had known Nowell for twelve months, and had spent a holiday on his station. Mrs Nowell six months ago hail asked witness to go to England with her. hut this did not eventuate. The friendship between Nowell and witness ripened after Airs Nowell left six months ago, Nowell becoming infatuated with her, hut* this was not reciprocated. Many times she had spoken of the impossibility of the position. She became engaged to Oman ill Xmas. She had met Nowell three weeks prior to the tragedy and intimated she did not wish to have nnytiiing more to do with him. Tie was very angry and threatened to drag her out of the church if she married anyone else. For months he had threatened to commit suicide if she would not bo friendly with him. ITe Iliad an ungovernable temper. lie had Hi grievance against Airs Pettit. In reply to further quest ions, Airs | Oman said Nowell was a man who j made few friends. He suffered from violent headaches. lie joined t.he | Navy at an « illy age, and served durj ing the war. He I.Vd been worried ovc ■ a mortgage on liis property falling du ( next year. At first she was very ter j riiied at Nowell's anger when she tola j him she would Hive nothing more to i do with him. On one occasion lit ( threatened to run the car over a bank. j Witness was always afraid Nowell j might do something serious il put out. ! It was partly fc'ir that made her keep her marriage quiet. Inspector Eceles—“Don’t you think it would have been wise to have held the- wedding an ay from Gisborne i 1 ’ AYitncss—“l don’t think it would have made any difference.” The Coroner—“ Was there ‘anything in your conduct to lead Nowell to think you were encouraging him, and to make him break as lie did when yon got married f”

Witness—“ No. I don’t think so. ] gave him. the best of my friendship.” Dr CL P. AleSweenev. a neighbour, said lie went to the bungalow to set Alls Pettit re her children, lind lie win talking to her when a shot was fired. .Mrs Pettit lulling towards him. He attempted to staunch the blood, hut in less than two minutes she was dead, Ho considered it feasible the excited man h: id mistaken Airs Pettit lor MrOman. During his acqimintanceshii he found Nowell a curious type, difficult la talk to. an-.l seemingly abnormal mentally. though he never ex-un-iued him.

Percy Arthur Pettit stated Xowel was morbid, broody und impulsive. When the shots were fired witness rushed to the front door. encountered Nowell with tlie riiie in ids hands and blood dripping from his forehead, am witness closed with him. During tin tussle for the gun,’ witness said “Hood God, man, wlGt are you do•dig:” Xowell replying, “I killed Wiin •’’ “F'-ve done myself ini”

After he wrested the gun from Xowell the latter ran out the gates.

Cross-examined, witness admitted knowledge that Nowell was worried financially. He s“id deceased hocme-i to he acting like a madman when witness grappled him. Nancy Owen, who was returning home opposite the scene ol the tragedv deposed to luv.ring shots at the side ol the bungalow, and she saw Xowell run round to the front of the house with a gun, and Pettit grapple hint. Henry John I.aiiglands deposed Xo. well was a peeliUt r type, subject to fits of depression. Xowell last reierrod tn his infatuation lor Airs Onuins a fortnight before the wedding, asking witness his opinion about it. V) itness informed him it vikis impossible, Xowell taking it well. Xowell made t.< threats against Airs Oman, hut on the morning of the wedding he had an idea the l.urriage would Lake place that day, and Xowell told witness lie saw a party leave the house. However, Nowell treated tho-Gualter lightly. The' hearing w’js adjourned till tomorrow.