ATTACK WITH RAZOR.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19474, 8 May 1925, Page 10

ATTACK WITH RAZOR.

GIRL SERIOUSLY INJURED. BROTHER COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. (pm United Pbksb Association.) AUCKLAND, May 7. A violent assault committed on a young woman, Gertrude Best, in Upper Queen street on the night of April 15, was recalled this morning, when her brother, Albert Edward Best, aged 28, appeared before Mr J. VV. Poynton, S.M., charged with the attempted murder of his sister. Two alternative charges of assaulting her and wounding with intent to do grievous bodiily harm were also preferred. Chief-detective Cummings prosecuted, while Mr Alan Moody appeared for the accused. Gertrude Best said she was 26 years of age and single. For two years until last Christmas sho had kept house for the accused at Hamilton. Ho had a coal and firewood business at Hamilton until shortly before Christmas. While keeping house for the accused sho was often frigbtend by her brother, who was sometimes sober and sometimes drunk. About March 25 last witness came to Auckland and went to live in Wavorley street. The accused came to Auckland on April 10. Witness was keeping company with a Air Scholz, but hor brother did not want her to keep company with Scholz, because he said ho was a German.' Witness told how hor brother attacked her with a razor in tho street. Sho was badly cut, and was still being treated as an out-patient. She said her brother had had intercourse with her. She had always objected. Mr Moody objected to this evidence. Eileen Florence Best, gave evidence to tho effect that accused was often under the influence of liquor and knocked his sister about. Dr Murray gave evidence regarding the serious injuries received by Gertrude Best. Witness also saw the accused at the watchhouse after the alleged assault. His hands were covered with blood, and bis actions indicated that he had some liquor. Sergeant Lambert said that shortly after 8 o’clock on tho night of April 15. ho saw a crowd in Upper Queen street. On investigating he found Gertrude’ Best lying on the footpath covered with blood, with her neck, face, and hands cut. Sho said, “Ho did it,” pointing to her brother. Tho accused when asked bv witness why ho had assaulted his sister said, T don’t know.” Ernest Alfred Scholz said he was from Western Australia. IDs father was also a native of -Australia. Senior-defectivo Ward said (he accused denied the improprieties alleged by bis sister. r JTio accused pleaded not guilty, and was committed for trial. Counsel did not press for bail.