HAWERA MURDER CASE

Hokitika Guardian, 6 July 1931, Page 6

HAWERA MURDER CASE

CORONIAL ENQUIRY. COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. IBy Telegraph — ter frets Association) HAWERA, July 4. After two full days and evenings, the nearing concluded at' the Magistrate’s Court this morning, of the charge against Walter .John Tinsley. Accused was committed for trial, while the Corner returned an open verd let.

Of the 42 witnesses subpoenaed, only 34 were called by the Crown. The last two gave evidence this morning, a coachboikler stating that Tinsley authorised car repairs costing to pa>" ing in cash, while the other witness Chliiba Gopal Pancilia, whose fruit shop adjoined the bakery where Tinsley was employed, said that Tinsley had occasionally taken drinks with him at the shop. “i am very surprised ill"! Pivac who saw the accused before he went to the shop on the n>ght of January 31, has riot been called,” said -Mr O’Dea, counsel for the defence. It seems to me that the object of the police in this case is not to bring out the truth, but merely to get a conviction.” Mr Salmon, S.M.: You should not say that. The police are not bound to call the witness. Mr O’Dea: I feel that I should. Accused was committed to the New Plymouth Supreme Court for trial on August 17. There was no application for hail.

Mr Page returned a verdict that Nana Chbiba. native of Porn bay. met his death on January 31. or February 1, /at his shop, through being struck repeatedly on the hack of the head with a hammer, by a person or persons unknown.