A MURDER

Hokitika Guardian, 18 January 1933, Page 6

A MURDER

WIDOW SHOT IN BED

ACCUSED ATTEMPTS SUICIDE

(Per Press Association — Uopynght.)

AUCKLAND, January 18

Bertha May Bennett/, 40, a the owner of a small dairy farm, was murdered by being shot 111 the chest with a shot gun while in bed at her home, East Tamaiki Read, Papaieeioj, at 11 o’clock last -night.

Deceased and her daughter arc well known riders of l’akuranga Hunt Cuib.

Thfs morning, Thomas Francis Clark, 32, a New Zealander., a labourer, was charged before Mr McKean, Magistrate, with imirderjng .Mi's Bennett. ‘•Accused will not appear, as he is in hospital,” said detective-sergeant Kelly. Aifte,. the murder of this 'woman last night, he attempted to shoot himself, but most of the charge struck his watch and glanced oif. There ns every chance of Id's ..recovery and he will hav e to be watched. An application, for u week's remand wa,s granted. It is understood the police obtained a statement from Alfred Georg?. Hamilton, 1a butcher, aged about forty, a cousin of the accused. Hamilton lodged 'with Mrs Bennett, and had been living with her as man and wide. He stabs they retired to bed about nine. At 11 o’clock he heard the woman sty “What are y ,ou doing ,in the room, Frank? Get out of it.” Immediately ther e was a flash from the foot of the bed. Hamilton jumped out of bed. and made a rtv.h at tne form of a man, the latter . passing through a door and closing it behind him. He heard another .shot. and rushing through the door saw Clark, who brushed past him into th P bedroom. He had injured himself wjth the gun. Tt is understood that Clark wanted to marry Bennett, .and was una,wai> of t-er relationship with his cousin, Hamilton.