MURDER CHARGE

Hokitika Guardian, 29 January 1932, Page 6

MURDER CHARGE

THE DONALDS-ON CASE,

PRELIMINARY EVIDENCE

heard

(By Telegraph —Per Press Association)

WANGANUI, January 2U

Indicted with the murder of Alfred George Donalson, on December 13t1i., at Wanganui, Elizabeth Grace Donaldson appeared in. the Police Court to-day. 1 '

Stanley Annabel!, a (draughtsman, gave evidence regarding measurements of the house in which the alleged crime took place. Edwin Richardson, a photographer, isaid that, on December 14th., accompanied by Detective Walsh, be toou photographs of the residence. Dr. J. W- Anderson said that he was accompanied by two other doctors and conducted a post mortem exu.rninaltion at the morgue- He found a puncture wound on deceased one and a-half inches long, on the right side of the neck. The direction of the wound was downward, and inward. There was a small abrasion on tne right of the forehead, and the right external of the jugular vein was severed, and, in bis opinion, tins caused ’ death. A bread knife, produced, fitted the wound exactly. Dr. Anderson safidl it would take force to make the wound in deceased’s neck.

Dr. J. H. Reid said he was called to- the scene of the tragedy on December 13th. ( and found/ Donaldson dead. Witness said it would not have taken much violence to produce the wound in Donaldson’s neck. Witness said he, had been Mrs Donaldson’s medical attendant for 5 years. He had attended her for an illness in 1927, which was brought about oy external violence. She had been struck on the arms and legs. In January 1931 she had been suffering from severe haemorrhage which lasted tor some time. -She bad been ill for several months. There were again bruises on the abdomen and also severe bruises on the buttocks. All the marks coukl have been caused by human agency. Hector George Brewer said he resided in a flat next door to the scene of the tragedy. About 10 p.m. on trie night of the happening, he heard Mrs Donaldson scream and that first attracted his attention. He heard Airs Dana Idslosx call out, “wash that knife.” From a window witness saw Donaldson stagger out ffync? gurgle “my God, get a doctor.” When witness had dressed and went out he lying in the garden. Witness went to try And pick him ufi, and blood poured out of bis neck. Witness wrapped ithe body with a blanket. While witness was in the garden he saw Airs Kerr, Airs Donaldson’s stepmother, wiping something in the pass/age. Jean Florence Brewer said she was in her kitchen about- 6.30 p.m. on December 13th., when Airs Donaldson asked her if she had seen Donaldson ,a,t the beach. Witness- replied “No.” Airs Donaldson said her husband had* been out since 11 o’clock in. the morning. Airs Donaldson appeared annoyed. About 1.0 p.m. on the same evening, witness heard All’s Donaldson exclaim—“Afother, wash that knife.”

AYitness went to her kitchen window and saw Donaldson stagger out and collapse in the front garden. Witness did not know deceased very well. Mrs Donaldson was a .nice woman.

Margin ret Signal] .said she knew both Air and All's Donaldson fairly well. On December 13rfh. witness was in her kitchen. About 10 p.m. slit* heard a little noise and voices. Tt came from a nearby residence. She board a man’s voice and then a woman’s. They appeared to be arguing. Witness beard the man’s voice say “I cannot stand much of this.” Later a female voice said : “I am not bloody well here for you.” Witness said the hitter was ■spoken o.V Mrs Donaldson. Then witness heave a cry ,1 )||!’’ as if someone '.as hurt. She heard All's Donaldson nisli'ng about as if in distress and beard ln-r exclaim—" Here mother take this knife.” Mrs Donaldson came to witness's place and said “Oh, Mrs Signal I have stabbed ’.VIf. Poor Alt I have murdered Alt. Look a t my hands. Oh. Mrs 'Signal 1 could not put up with

WIFE’S A DALI SSI ON. STRUCK HIM WITH KNIFE. WANGANUI, January 2ft. Leonard Banks said Airs Donaldson called out lor him to come quickly. She asked him to ring for a doctor remarking “I have injured my husband.” lie asked her what had happened and accused replied that tier Imslipiid lijt her oil .(lie head and was coming at her again, when she, picked up a knife. He ducked in to it and cut himself edge ward.

John Reid said .Mrs Donaldson called on him on Sunday morning ami remarked that her husband had not come homo that morning until (ho early hours. She said she would do something drastic and threatened to leave, him.

Constable ('. Smilh said accused remarked to him: “Oh Air Smith, (his is the result of family quarrels.

|,ater she remarked: “Oh my P" !) r Alt'. I do wish Iha I lie was here again.”

Deled ivc Walsh said the accused when asked if she fell able In give pari iculars, remarked : “Poor All, I adore (he ground he walked on. lie had been out all day and did not conn* h me for his meals. When asked where In* had been, he. would nol toll mu. W e

ha ( | a row and he lolled me to the wall. I got u(i ami sat on a eliair, and All' picked up the breadknilo and 'threatened to do for me. I took the knife, from him and made a slat) as lie went out of the hack door, hilt- lie ducked and I lie knife cut him about l lie shoulder.