ELSIE WALKER ENQUIRY

Hokitika Guardian, 26 February 1929, Page 3

ELSIE WALKER ENQUIRY

INQUIRY CONTINUED. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, February 25. The inquiry into the conduct by the police of. the Elsie Walker ease was re sumed this morning. Superintendent Wohlniann, crossexamined, said Constable Collins was justified under the circumstances in assuming that death was not due to violence. Medical evidence for about six weeks corroborated the constable’s decision when lie- found the body. He was not aware of any reason being given by Doctors Murray and Gilmour for their vital change of opinion. They at first stated they did not think any violence had been done and .later paid much attention to a bruise on the head Finlay said there was no essential difference in the evidence of Gilmour to the first report. Answering further questions Wolilmann said Detective-Sergeant Kelly gave instructions for the removal of the body to the morgue. Outlining the work of the Chief-De-tective witness which elicited the comment “Too busy” from the Commissioner, witness said the Chief Detective had not got time to consider quietly and fully the lines of action to he followed when a big case was suddenly presented. One remedy would he to relieve the Chief Detective of his duty of conducting cases at the court. He could say that the Elsie Walker case- was grappled with in the early stages to an extent commensurate with its importance at various stages oi the inquiry. Replying to a question by the Commissioner, Wolilmann said: “ I think the Chief Detective here is overworked and I think an inspectoi has about the maximum burden he can carry.” The time had not arrived in New Zealand when the country could afford the the high cost of having a number of detectives in smaller tow ns. There was no commissioned officer employed solely for detective work in Auckland.