CONSPIRACY CHARGES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 138, 11 May 1940, Page 8

CONSPIRACY CHARGES

WOMEN’S EVIDENCE. CONTENTS OF A SHED. ' , Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, May 10. At the conspiracy trial to-day, Mrs Alma Monica Clarke gave, evidence that as a result of pressure ill. connection with a mortgage she gave Aston power of attorney over the property known as “The Hut,” at Nelson," for two years,., and understood that at the end of that period control of the place would' revert to her. Aston gave her no money for the power of attorney, but her husband paid him £7O, which was to pay certain accounts. She was not. aware, till the police told her, that Asfon had transferred “The Hut” to Electric Elements, Ltd. To Mr Leicester, witness said she legarded Electric Elements as Aston’s company, and that at no time did Chrystall control or seek control of the company’s operations. Witness was questioned a good deal about the actions of the accused men at “The Hut,” and in connection with a launch she gave evidence as to the conduct at parties and drinking, but said that while she was there she saw nothing of experiments. The next witness, Winifred Weston, who looked after “The Hut” for some weeks, said the garage was hill of “old junk.” There was some electrical machinery in a shed at the back! of the garage. Witness also saw accused doing something with instruments in the water oil one launch trip. To Mr Leicester, witness said Chrystall appeared to bo very interested in the devices. She agreed that ho appeared to be very intense and very serious about them. To Mr Russell, witness said she would likewise say Aston was very interested In them, too. William John Kyle, licensee of the Trafalgar Hotel. Nelscn, gave evidence about Aston tearing up bank notes. To Mr Leicester, witness 6aid it might be that these incidents were intended to convey the idea that he was a superman, also that he was carrying round. a secret of international importance. Mr Leicester: Mr Wild, a previous witness, has expressed the opinion that Aston appeared to have some hold over Sellers. Would you agree with that? —Yes. Witness agreed with Mr Russell that it would he fair to say Aston had what might be called a dominating nature in regard to Sellers, Chrystall and others. Further evidence of Aston flashing his financial importance was given by Robert Campbell, who supplied “The Hut” with ice-cream.

I. B. Cromb (Christchurch) testified as to Aston’s claims as to his invention and relations with the Admiralty. Witness said there was no evidence at “The Hut” or ml the launch at Nelson of experimental work. He detailed certain trips made to Sydney by Aston. Cromb said that the day Sellers disappeared Aston rang and told witness that he (Aston) thought he might have taken the train to Auckland to catch the boat to England or might have jumped into the harbour. “If he’s jumped into the harbour, I suppose they will think I bumped him off,” Aston said.