A MAIN TRUNK TRAGEDY

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 290, 2 May 1911, Page 5

A MAIN TRUNK TRAGEDY

HALF-CASTE MAORI'S JEALOUSY. MURDER AND SUICIDE. By Tciegraph.—Press Association. Taihape, Monday. A tragedy took place at Taumaiunui yesterday. Ina Hell, a half-caste youth of 20, and Annie Thomas, a half-caste girl of 18, were found dead in a cherry garden in the outskirts of the town, at midday, both having their throats cut. It is surmised that Bell, who was keeping company with Thomas, cut her throat from jealousy, and then cut his own. There was a razor on the ground dose by Bell. Bell was a prominent football player. He had attended church in the morning and met Thomas on returning about 11.45.

A WITNESS OF THE CRIME. Auckland, Monday. The Taumarunui correspondent of the Star, in reporting the tragedy, says that it was witnessed by Mr. Harris, who promptly secured the assistance of a local doctor and the police. The bodies were conveyed to the morgue. THE EYE-WITNESS' STORY. Auckland, Last Night. Mr. Harris, who is manager for Messrs Hatrick and Co., states that when going down the river to test the depth at the rapids, he noticed Bell staggering about as if drunk. Bell fell, and on rising again Mr. Harris saw him slash his throat with a razor and collapse. Mr. Harris endeavored, after giving the alarm, to stop the bleeding, and the thought struck him to look at the spot where Bell had staggered from. He then discovered the dead body of the girl. Bell soon succumbed to hia injuries.