MOA FLAT TRAGEDY
SEQUEL IN COURT A CHARGE OF MURDER. FARM LABOURER ON TRIAL. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) DUNEDIN, February 3. At the quarterly criminal session of the Supreme Court this morning before Mr Justice Kennedy and a jury, the trial was begun of Charles Henry Flaxman, aged 34, farm labourer, on a charge of murdering his wife, Marion Beatrice Flaxman, at Moa Flat on November 18, 1941. There was also a charge of arson and one of attempted suicide. The case for the Crown was conducted by Mr F. B. Adams and Mr O. G. Stevens, with him Mr C. H. S. Stevens, appeared for accused. Dr R. G. Stokes said he examined the body of Mrs Flaxman and considered death due to head injuries. Dr E. F. D’Ath, pathologist at the Otago Medical School, said that his , opinion was that deceased was struck at least five blows on the head which had caused laceration of the scalp, fracture of the skull and laceration of the brain; that she died as a result, of shock from the blows, and was probably dead before suffering burns on the body. John M'itton Garden, sheepfarmer, residing close to the Flaxmans, said he arrived, at acusced’s home shortly after the fire occurred. Accused did not appear to be making strenuous efforts to get his wife out. Witness, assisted by his wife, got deceased’s body out of the room. When Flaxman approached later, he said: “It’s too late, chaps. I’m done. I’m mad.” Witness took a' knife from accused, who protested and asked to be allowed to finish the job. The case was adjourned till tomorrow.
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Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 February 1942, Page 4
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271MOA FLAT TRAGEDY Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 February 1942, Page 4
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