MOA FLAT TRAGEDY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 December 1941, Page 3

MOA FLAT TRAGEDY

DEATH OF MRS FLAXMAN CHARGE OF MURDER. LOWER COURT HEARING. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) DUNEDIN, December 17. As a sequel to the tragedy at Moa Flat on November 19, Charles Henry Flaxman, aged 36, farm labourer, was today charged in the Magistrates Court with the murder of his wife, Marion Beatrice Flaxman. John Miller Garden, sheepfarmer, Moa Flat, said that at 1.30 a.m. on November 19, consequent on a call from his wife, he accompanied her to Flaxman’s cottage, where they could see smoke and flame issuing from a bedroom window. Accused on being asked if anyone was inside, replied that the baby was safe, but that his wife was in the cottage. Witness made an attempt to get through the window, but was prevented,from doing so by accused, who stood with his back to the window, saying: “Get out of this Jack, this is my affair.” He then climbed through the window himself and it appeared to witness that he was looking for something on the floor. Witness again attempted to get through the window, but accused motioned him away and returned to the other side of the room and pulled back what seemed to be a burning mattress, remarking, “She’s dead, Jack. I’m getting out of this.” He then came out through the window and disappeared. Witness said he climbed into the room where he saw the body of a woman lying face downward on the floor. Witness removed the body out into an adjoining paddock and renewed his efforts at artificial respiration, but to no avail. When they returned toward the fire they saw accused standing near the stable, near the rear of the cottage, with a knife in his hand and calling out in a confused voice, “It’s too late. I’m done.” Witness said it seemed obvious that accused had attempted to take his own life.

After further evidence the hearing was adjourned till tomorrow. There are four more witnesses to be heard.