MURDER TRIAL

Hokitika Guardian, 13 December 1933, Page 4

MURDER TRIAL

CHARGE AG-AfNjST MERRIMAN

NEW ASPECT GIVEN TO CASE

(Per Press Association OopyTiytit.)

CHRISTCHURCH, December 12

At the hearing of the murder charge against Aiemman, Emma Elizabeth Watson, married, of Opawa, said Unit Alerriman came to her house on November 13. She said, “What are you doing here.” Alerriman replied: “Looking for hoard, Auntie, .I’Ve got- the kick out to-day, and I’ve got to find lodging.” He added tha> things had become sb hid he did not know whether they could live on together at home. They, had been rowing. He was worried about the children.

Henry Edwin Crowlien, single, a motor , mechanic, employed by the Post and Telegraph Department, said that he knew the accused and his wife intimately. On November 12, he called at Alerriman’s house. Alerriman said he had something'to say to witness. Hjs wife said: “Say it in front of me!” Merrriman then said that he Had nothing to say, To Air Thomas, witness said he had enjoyed the hospitality, of Alerriman and his wife. ; , Air Thomas: Did you return the trust that Alerriman placed in you? Witness, after hesitation: “Not”

Air Thomas: Did you begin a course of meetings with Airs Alerriman, unknown to her husband?—Yes, , Air Thomas: Did you sometimes have intercourse with her ?—Yes.

Counsel: Did Mrs Merriman say, in July, 1932, that she would seek a divorce?—Yes, Counsel: When Mrs Alerriman went to Cambridge Terrace, did you visit her ?—Yes.- . .; k -

Counsel: Did she not go back to her husband to save your job, in case you were named as co-respondent ? Witness: She might have put it that way.

Counsel: Is it not true that, some weeks before the tragedy, Airs Alcrriman spoke of suicide? —Reg told me

Counsel: Do you feel perfectly innocent of any responsibility for this murder?—l am indirectly responsible; Dr A. B. Pearson, pathologist, said that an -examination of the bodies of the children showed no external marks of violence. On the body of Airs Alerriman there was a large recent bruise on the left temple. There was a- minor abrasion on the forehead, and a cluster of abrasions on the right side of the neck. r In the post mortem examination, said witness, he found a fracture of the hone at* the base'of the tongue, which certainly had been caused by violence. The mother died first, and the children died afterwards, between the hours of 10 o’clock oh the, night of November 14, and 3 o’clock On November 15. The cause of death was poisoning with coal gas, Detective Duncan AlcKcnzie gave evidence of Alerriman’ s statements while in the hospital. He -stated Crowhen had visited the house several times, uninvited. The result was quarrels'with his wife. Repeatedly he told her that unless Crowhen stopped the visits, there would he an' end. to It in some way. On several occasions she said she wanted a divorce, and on some occasions ,a separation. Once •she packed her effects, and left her home and children. Eventually, she returned, and later she went with the children to the Chatham Isands, saving that Crowhen had given her £ls; for tne fare. On her return, the relations were friendly, hut Crowhen came again, and suggested that he' (Aterriinan)' should leave home, allowing her £2 weekly. There were other rows. Alerriman wns committed to the Supreme Court for trial. _>