THE KUANGAROA TRAGEDY.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 October 1917, Page 4

THE KUANGAROA TRAGEDY.

BENNIER ON TRIAL By Association . Wanganui, Oct. 12. Frank Edward Bennier wap charged in the-Magistrate's Court to-day with the nnirder of Ethel Emma Bennier, htj rife. Five other charges of attempted murder were preferred against acouied Mi connection with the ICuangaroa tragedy. The evidence was much on the lines 'nf that given at the inqueßt. New f a< U elicited went to show that strpinei relations existed between accused aud deceased, due to the former's drinking bits. The case is proceeding. ACCUSED COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. Wanganui, Last Night. It was shown that Bennier, in tha early hours of the morning, attacked seven sleeping people with axes, his wife succumbing to the injuries. Witnesses stated that Bennier was addicted to drink, and was not on friendly terms with his wife, owing to his drinking habits.

Sergeant Bourke said that on one casion Bennier, when slightly under the influence of liquor, called at the polica station to ask the police for assistants to make his wife return to'him. Witness said the ftolice could not interfere, and Bennier threatened to "do for her, and also for himself." Accused wis committed for trial at the Supreme Court,'as also on the charges of attempted murder of the othe* victims.