MURDER CHARGE

Hokitika Guardian, 23 February 1933, Page 6

MURDER CHARGE

DEATH t»F BERTHA BENNETT.

/Per Press. Association - Copyright.)

AUCKLAND, February 23

The hearing of a charge against Thomas Francis-Clark, 33, a labourer, of murdering Bertha -May Bennett at Papatoetoe. on January 17, begun at Gtahulih,"';police court. Deceased’s mother eajd the accused was often at- deceased’s, house. He had spoken to witness about his regard for Mrs Bennett, and said things would he different after Christmas. Alfred George-Hamilton, a freezing works foreman, '.-aid lie. had been living at Mrs Bennett’s home for eight or nine, years. There were no relations between them.

Cross examined by the-Crown 'Prosecutor, Air Meredith, witness said lie and deceased slept in the same bed. Witness mid Clark was a frequent, visitor -to the house. On the night of January 17th. witness retired about 9.15. Clark had arrived about- 7.30. Deceased’s daughter and a man named Robert Hall were also there. A few minutes after nine. Clark went to catch his horse and deceased saw him off. On returning' there was nothing unusual about the demeanour of deceased, and soon afterwards she retired to bed. Witness -said that lm also retired. Mrs Bennett was in bed. He event to sleep b"t was awakened bv heavin'* her say: “What, are you doing in here, Frank? You get out of this at once.’ A second later there w o a report of a gun in the room in which if was dark. The flash <of a gun cam'' from the foot, of Grp bed. He .could not see v.lio had the mm hut pe saw the form of a man backing out of the door. He made a dive to get- hold of t’-o man but the door shut on him. While he was trying to open the door he heard the report of a tgun from tlm next room. He then switched on the light ■and the man said ; “It's all right, J onlv had two cartridges.’’

Witness said “Goodness. Frank. Whatever aia you dojng? Yon have’ shot Airs Bennett. ’’ He replied “I haven’t half done enough. I’ve missed nivself.”

Witness said V then went for the police. (Proceeding).