THE MURDER TRIAL.

Shannon News, 18 May 1923, Page 4

THE MURDER TRIAL.

FOURTH DAY OF HEARING. i . • • • - WELLINGTON, May 17. After lunch, Mr. Macassey read to Lupi a statement made by Cooper to the police to the effect that Lupi had arranged to take Miss Lister s child aAvay from Newlands and a description of hOAV those arrangements were carried out on November 23. Lupi’s reply was: “It is a lie right through. It is a nightmare he (Cooper) had while in the lock-up.” Witness declared that he- never at any time had seen his baby. He had never paid Cooper any money, because Cooper was to get his money when the adoption was completed. On November 23, 1922, he ■was working on the roof at Mrs. Christie’s house. Reef Street, Island Bay, and Avas not at Newlands at all. When brought face to face Avith Cooper at the police station, and Cooper’s statement was read over to him, he called Cooper “ a dirty liar.” He wa9 very angry and lost his head and called Cooper’s solicitor a liar too, because he backed Cooper up. Salve Greco, a fisherman, produced a diary to show that he and Lupi were Avorking together at Christie’s on November 23, 1922. He had tea at Lupi’s house and Avas Avith him till • ate in the evening.

Vincent Barnao corroborated the evidence of the above Avitness. OTHE WITNESSES.

Minnie King gaA'e formal evidence of the birth of the, Lupi-Lister child at her house. Cooper brought Miss Lister to the house and took her and tins oihild aAvay. It was a strong, healthy child. Cooper told her the child Avas going to be adopted by some people in Palmerston North, but subsequently said the people would not take it, because she had notified its birth at the police station. Cooper said she had made the arrangements for the adoption of Miss Lister’s child. She retorted that Cooper had made the arrangements. He, called her a liar and she replied she was not a liar —that he kneAV where the child Avas. Cooper had guaranteed her a payment of £B, but she could only £4 or £5 from him. Dr. Wright gave similar evidence to that given by Dr. Hector regarding the condition of the second and third bodies found at Newlands. Dr. Hector, recalled, said the-wound found on the body of the child said to be Miss McLeod’s child, would been sufficient to have caused death. Eftie Adams deposed that Cooper bad asked her to go with him to Mrs. ICing’s house. She there met Lily Lister, who had a baby. They came back to Cooper’s office and left for Johnsonville by the 8.45 train. On arrival at Johnsonville, Miss Lister Avent to NeAVlands with Cooper, AvhiP Mrs. Cooper and witness Avalked on as far as the bridge. Mrs.- Cooper then took the baby from witness and witness returned to the station, and left for Wellington by Lhe train. The arrangement Avas that Cooper Avas to return from NeAvlands and meet Mrs. Cooper. Witness understood from Cooper that someone Avas to meet them at Johnsonville for the purpose of adopting Miss Lister’s child. That Avas the last she saw of the child.

Ethel Tucker deposed that Cooper liad told her Miss Lister’s , child was in a good home.

Sergeant Dinnie gave formal evidence as to photographs taken by him of the grounds, graves, etc., at NeAvlands.

Dr. Smyth deposed to attending Miss Lister at her confinement.

The Court at this stage adjourned till 10 o’clock to-morroAV morning.