MURDER CHARGE

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20503, 20 May 1938, Page 8

MURDER CHARGE

MOTHER IN COURT INFANT'S BODY DISCOVERED NOHTH AUCKLAND HEARING (By Telegraph.—Press Association) DARGAYILLE, Friday Charged with the murder of her Infant child on April 3, Hazel Francis Evans (21), single, of Aratapu, appeared before Mr G. N. Morris, S.M., this morning. The body of the child, Alma Rose Evans, was found upon a bank of the Northern Wairoa River on Good Friday by Keith WarmIngton, of Aratapu. Mr Q. 8. R. Meredith, Crown Prosecutor, appeared for the Crown, and Mr R. A. Singer (Auckland) for the accused. Ada Elizabeth Duggan, of Hawera, formerly matron of the Northern Wairoa maternity annexe, gave evidence of the birth of a child on November Elizabeth Helen Strand, a nurse who attended accused at the annexe, described the baby and added that accused did not appear to have the usual Intelligence. Molly Richards. Plunket nurse at Dargaville. stated that she had attended the baby on January 6 and again on March 31. She examined the baby, who was normally developed for its age. She saw* accused again on April 5 when she was told that, her baby was at her mother's place. Witness called at her home again on 'knew that accused was endeavouring to have the baby adopted. Evidence of having found the baby’s body was given by Keith William Warmington, garage attendant, of Aratapu- He was satisfied the high tide could carry the body where it was found. Friction With Parents William Evans, labourer and father of accused, gave evidence that his daughter talked of having the child adopted. His daughter was well treated and there was no ill-feeling regarding the baby. On April 2 he and his wife spoke to accused. She did not reply. Later she went to bed without speaking to anyone. The baby was in bed at this time. She used uncomplimentary language to her parents with the result that he told her she had better go away and take the baby. She said she would do so. Witness did not think his daughter was fond of the child and he had seen her smacking the child. “Father Kicked Her Out” Elizabeth Emma Evans, mother of accused, identified some of the articles of clothing produced. In her opinion accused was a normal girl although she appeared a little backward. Marion Isabelle Alves said the accused called at her home on April 3 and was crying, stating that her father had kicked her out. She told witness there was a woman coming from Auckland that night to pick up the child and when seen by witness in the morning said she had got the baby away all right. Representatives at various institutions in Auckland and Whangarei gave evidence that letters had been received from accused for the adoption of the baby and denied that any arrangements had been entered into. Accused was committed for trial and the inquest adjourned until after the trial.