NEW LYNN MURDER.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3799, 31 May 1928, Page 2

NEW LYNN MURDER.

IS NORGROVE INSANE?

PETITION TO GOVERNOR

Auckland, May 29. ,»■ Allan George Norgrove, who is under sentence of death for the murder of his sister-in-law, Mrs. Erncstina Mary Norgrove, at New Lynn, on March 7, was again examined this morning in his cell at Mount Eden prison. Yesterday, the Inspector-General of Mental Hospitals (Dr. T. G. Gray) and Dr. A. C. McKillop, medical superintendent of the Government Mental Hospital at Sunnyside, Christchurch, arrived in Auckland from Wellington for the purpose of examining the murderer. This examination was performed by the two Government alienists at the prison this morning, Dr. R. M. Beattie (another alienist, and an expert, who was for some years medical superintendent at Auckland Mental Hospital, and who stated in evidence at Norgrove’s trial that he was insane at the time of the murder), was also in attendance, and took part in this further examination,. It is understood that Drs. Gray and McKillop had been requested to put Norgrove under a thorough examination, and also', if necessary, lo examine him further on any point which might be raised by Dr. Beattie. It will thus be seen that the authorities are desirous of following any legitimate clue which may he deemed to have a bearing on the sanity of tbe condemned man. This morning, at Government House, Mr. A. Moody, counsel for Norgrove, presented to His Excellency the Governor-General (Sir (Charles Fcrgusson), a petition praying- for Norgrove s reprieve. The petition will be forwarded to Wellington this evening', to bo considered by the Executive Council. The petition was signed by 1765 citizens of Auckland. The signatories include several members of Parliament of various parties, a number of doctors, school teachers, (ministers of religion, and • nurses, while nearly every trade is largely represented’. Most of the warders at Mount Eden prison attached their signatures to the document.