THE NUKUMARU TRAGEDY

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2342, 15 October 1921, Page 3

THE NUKUMARU TRAGEDY

CORONIAL ENQUIRY HELD,

A RETICENT. WITNESS

OPEN VERDICT RETURNED,

A Coronial inquiry was,held by Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M., at Nukumaru on'Thursday into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Luke McGorman'and Bertha McGorman, the victims of the recent tragedy there. "

Senior-Sergeant Bourke represented the police, and Mr W. A. Izard watched the proceedings on behalf of relatives.

Clement Murphy, a farm worker, said he was employed by the male deeeasedj and worked with him. The latter, during the past week, seemed depressed in his manner and worried. He did not tell witness what he was worried about. Witness did not know of any dispute between deceased and his wife. Witness helped McGorman with the milking on Tuesday afternoon, and the latter went off to the train. Witness was sitting on the sofa after tea, and heard McGorman say that he was going to a school committee meeting, and that he was going to resign. Both deceased left at 7.35 to .walk to the meeting at the schoolhouse, about three-quarters o£l a mile away. Witness and the boy stayed in the house, and went to bed about 9 p.m. Witness did not know anything was wrong until next morning. He thought it strange they had not been called, and on looking about found that the two deceased were not in the house. A Maori came along when witness was milking, and said that Mr and Mrs McGorman were dead along the road. Witness had never heard the two deceased have any words. McGorman seemed to be kind to his wife and family. Witness had never seen him in a temper.

To Mr Izard: He had heard the two deceased discussing one of their children, who was in the hospital. Mrs McGorman seemed to be worried about it. Frederick Charles Anstis, Taranaki County Council employee, New Plymouth, and brother of Mrs McGorman, said he saw Luke McGorman at New Plymouth a week ago. McGorman, who appeared worried, came to witness’ place early on the morning of October 6th. Witness gathered that McGorman was worried over the cows, although he could not find out much from him. Witness and his wife then decided to go to Nukumaru and see Mrs McGorman. The latter told witness that her husband seemed a bit queer, but all she could put it down to was some wool her husband had sold and some cattle he had bought. Witness returned to New Plymouth and came back to Nukumaru last Saturday night. McGorman then appeared quite normal. On the Monday, witness and his wife went to New Plymouth, returning the following day, the reason being that McGorman rang up witness’ mother to tell her that everything was all right. A Wavcrlcy witness called and saw Dr Harvey, as Mrs McGorman was expecting to be conlined at the end of the month. He felt anxious when he got back to New Plymouth.

Sergeant Bourke: You were frightened that something was going to happen? —Yes. What was worrying you?— We knew that Mrs McGorman was going to be laid up, and with the woii’v and one thing and another, we did not know what might happen. Won’t you tell us straight out what was worrying you? —That is what I came to Nukumaru to try and find out.

He was supposed to he a wealthy man? —I re told us that he did not have much in the hank, but we thought he was safe. 'Was he of a jealous nature?—l cannot say that he was.

Did Mrs McGorman ever tell you that she was frightened?—She never told me, but my wife said that she felt a bit scared.

The Coroner: I have no desire to press you, but you must be frank. Witness replied that McGorman had been queer for a month or so. They had lived happily for a dong time. When they had a holiday at Rotorua some time ago, Mrs McGorman said that she had had the best of times.

Sergeant Bourke: There seems to be something that we have not golf'but I don’t know if it is any use trying to go further. The Coroner: You would not make all those trips from New Plymouth after your brother-in-law came to see you without some cause. I have no desire to probe into matters without an object, but I may have to ask you further questions afterwards. In reply to Mr Izard, witness said that Mrs McGorman had stated that her husband had not been sleeping too well. McGorman was not addicted to liquor. Deceased was a close man, and seemed to

Worry. ‘ , , Mr Izard: Did he complain about people poisoning the cows and the water on the place?—Yes. He also said people were .shifting parts of the' windmill. He also said “that Bertha had thrown him over.” The Coroner (to witness): In reply to the police you only mentioned about the cows. If yon were a little more frank it would not be necessary to. go so far into details. If there was jealousy, probably m the interests* o| -the family it should be disclosed. Mr Izard: What did he say? Witness: He said that Bertha had thrown him over, and had cleared out. / He* practically made an accusa-

tion against her? —Yes? There were no grounds for any suspicion?—No, none at all. •

After the evidence was read to the witness, the Coroner remarked that a portion was inconsistent with what* the witness gave later. There could have been a lot of time savedf had the witness not tried to ayoid saying things.

Dr. A. G. Harvey said that.he had known both deceased for many years. He had known Mrs McGorman from girlhood, and her character was above reproach and suspicion. He spoke to both deceased over the telephone last Monday evening, and both appeared normal.

Formal evidence was given by Constable Willets. The witness said that McGorman was conscious when found, but he died two minutes later, when being lifted into a car. i

The Coroner said that it was quite clear from the evidence that McGorman killed his wife and then committed suicide. At the time he was evidently in a. depressed state of mind, and practically temporarily insane.

The bodies were taken to New Plymouth for burial on Thursday afternoon. —Chronicle.