The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1902-08-22
KIDNAPPED
HIS OWN SON
New Habeas Cor.
pus Case Before
Gear.
WOMAN FOOLED
BOTH ATTEMPTS
Edw. Miller and Attorney Weaver
Defeated by Mrs. George
Opunui.

The story of two sensational though
unsuccessful attempts at kidnapping
was brought out yesterday in the hear
ING of the application of Edward Miller
for a writ of habeas corpus. He claims
that his four-year-old son is wrongtui-
ly detained by George opunui, ana ehat
he refuses to give him up.
The hearing was not concluded yes
terday but the testimony brought out
the story Of MilIer's attempts TO KID
nap his own child, but in both instances
he was followed by Mrs. George opu-
nui. On one occasion two years ago ne
went to the home of Opunui in Wala-
nae and demanded the child, but was
refused. Then, according to the testl-
1nony. he took the boy by force, threat
ening the life of the foster mother with
a revolver. Mrs. Opunui followed Mil
Ter to the railroad station and there
Mrs. Miller took the child away MIL
Ter said he permitted this to be done
rather than to make scene. On Au-
gust 18th, of this month, another effort
TO secure possession of the child was
made. Miller accompanied by his at
torney. p L. Weaver, again kidnapped
his son. and Mrs. Opunui again made
desperate resistance. She claims that
Attorney Weaver assaulted her and in
the struggle squeezed" her hand.
The evidence adduced at the hearing
yesterday morning before Judge Gear
was very conflicting. Miller testified
that he had been married by Rev. FL.
III. Parker to Kamaka on April z, 1897,
In July, 1898, impelled by patriotic mo-
tives. he went to San Francisco and en-
listed for the Spanish war. Later,
through the influence of his father, he
obtained his discharge and came back
to Honolulu over two years ago. In
the meantime his wife had given their
son to Opunui and she had gone to live
with A. c. Vestal, bookkeeper on a
plantation in the Kau district.
Judge Gear. interrupted to ask the
father:
Does the child talk?"
yes, SIR was the reply.
Does the child know your
mo, he does not"
Miller said he wanted to take his son
and educate him, and had prepared
home for him with a Mrs. Cowles. He
testified further that he was able to
support the child. being at present en-
ployed at the Honolulu Iron Works at
salary of s2.75 a day.
on REORGANIZATION Miller testified
that he had left his wife to fight for
his country, and that he had left her
no money TO support herself or child
He had intended to send her his salary
of $3.50 a month. but as she failed &c
answer his letters he did not DO so
He testified also that he had sent mon
ev for the support of the child, anc
also presents at Christmas time, &c
Opunui. Miller denied that he was nv
| ing with a woman not his wife, and pu
witnesses on the stand to show that ht
was keeping house for himself alone
| George Opunui who has possession
of the child, testified that the boy haC
beer. given him by Mrs. Miller foul
wears ago, and he had always treated
| il well. The mother had done this a
the time her husband ran away to tn
States. Opunui admitted that he ha'
| allowed IEE lboi cetA -Cit ~ - 49,
horse by himself, but denied that h
was ever intoxicated since the child ha
Ibeen in his possession. He denied, also
receiving money from Miller.
His wife also testified to the sam
facts. ana that she intended to brin
the boy UP as her own child. She toll
the story. also, of the two attempt
I,nade to kidnap the hoy which she ha
fooled. She testified further that sh
intended TO send the boy TO school
lsoon as he became old enough Ad
ieurnment was taken at noon until thi
rnroning. During the hearing the DO
remained close to his foster father, an
when Judge Gear asked who his ia
Their was he nestled closer to Opunui.
COURT NOTES.
An appeal has been filed by Mary :
6 Rose in the case of Henry Smith v
Mary A. s. Rose and Sanford B. Do
: as governor.
Thos. Dillon has filed his report
the matter of Mary Alice Porter.
minor approving the accounts of Gee
Brown, guardian.
c. H. w. Ali. as administrator
t the estate of ching Thi, has asked leaN
to resign.