THE TIMARU POISONING CASE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1330, 1 September 1886, Page 2

THE TIMARU POISONING CASE.

FURTHER DI'CLOSURES, ■ [PkESS GOBKESPONDENT ] H Tho hearing of this case was required 1 Tueadav. c Austin Kirby was first of all placed in * e box. Ha said—l wish to correct a 5 itcment I made yesterday regarding 1 ring the accused some brandy. ■ Mr Joynt—l ask ycu, sir, to be good 1 iou<h not to alter Kirby’s evidence of 1 isterday, but to take down his explanaon to-day. Witness continued—Hall had s me randy before we went up to his sleeping partment. That was directly after we sarched him. This was the brandy given y Constable Egan to Mrs Ellison. The rale accused had not, I think, any of it. 'bis brandy we found cloudy, and subaeuently we brought It to the police station. Vitness then proceeded to identify a large lumber of articles taken from prisoner lall’a pockets or found on the premises, onsisting of powders, antimonial wine, olchicum wine, lime water, iced water, irandyj the book (“Taylor on Poisons”) ■aga, kerosene, etc., referred to in the evilence previously taken. To Mr Hay—After Mr Groham read tho nformation, Houston repeated the word ‘ antimony ” two or three times. It was iirectly after repeating this word that she said, “Oh ! you use antimony in photography.” She was, 1 understood, addressing Mr Broham and me; at least she spoke in the presence of ua. Mr Hay—Did she not use these words 1 ; “ Were you not going to get antimony for mme experiment V’ Were not these her words 1 Witness—No ; I am quite cleat in stating that she did not nse such words. Thomas Hicks, watchhouse keeper at the Police Station, was next examined, and deposed that when the accused were together there was a conversation The Inspector want out of the Sergeant’s office about five minutes to eleven, 'i he Sergeant next came in and want out, and directly the Seargeant went out Hall rose from his chair and went towards Miss Houston, and said, “ You’re quite safe, and will be able to get clear. It is I that am in for it; 1 can’t possibly get off.” The conversation ceased then. While conversing prisoners stood with their backs towards me. Hall said nothing farther. Previous to this be was seated at the far end of the room, before speaking. Miss Houston did not reply to Hall’s remarks. Constable Stricken! deposed to find ng a cork on the diningroom flior. Tne cork was out in two by Dr. Mclntyre. He kept one half, and the other was sealed up by Mr Broham, and handed over to Constable Daly. At the same time saw a lot of things handed over by the Inspector to Daly, a lot of madid aee in bottles sealed up, and soma other things. Constable Daly deposed to the recaipl of the articles referred to from inspectoi Broham. Wit aess placed them la a boi which be corded and sealed, Sabse qnently handed the box to Profeasoi Black. 'i he seal was intact. Nex morning received the box baokfrom Pro foesor Black, and it was again sealed Received it in a sealed state and producet It thus in the Court yesterday, Eugene Egan, examined by Mr Martin said— I know where the accused Hal livad at the time of the arrest. I r.-oollec going there on tho 15th inst, with M Broham. I recollect leaving the room fo so nothing after Mr Hall had been arrested it was for some brandy. I got some fron Mrs Ellison, and gave it to the Inspector Mr Broham said something about th color of tho brandy, that he did not lik the look of It, and he asked if there wa no other brandy in the house ? I wan again to the nurse, an 1 enquired if uhi had any other, and she then took aoim other brandy ! in the room. Ido no know what became of it. I recogniai this bottle. I got it from Mr Broham oi the evening of the 18 ih about nine o’clock I kept in my possession until the even ing of the 26th. when I gave It to Pro lessor B'ack. It was in the same stab then as when I received it. I recogaisi these articles (colander, &o ) which wen given mo by Mrs EMsnn. I kept then and ultimately gave them to the Iqspecto; '< hey are still iu the same slate as whet I received them. I handed all the articlei over to Professor Black afterwards, j received the articles back on Mondaj miming last, and kept them until thtj were produced in Court. Patrick Casey—l recognise exhibits “ I STU V." I first saw the articles on the evening of the 21st inat at the house oi the male accused, North street. I took charge of them whan they were brought from the house. They were given to me by Mr Broham, and I kept them till Detective Kirby took them from me; on the same day I received them from Mr Broham. It being now one o’clock his Worship stated that he would now take the luncheon adjournment. The Court resumed business at five minutes past two. Edwla Cotter, called ty Mr Martin, said—lam tbs gao’er at/Timatn. I-know accused. They were brought to the gaol on the 16th of this month. The female accused on the 17th asked for writing paper; said she wished to write to Thomas Hall. 1 supplied her with paper, and a letter was brought into my office from her. The Matron (my wife) brought in the letter to me. The letter was addressed to “ Mrs T. Hall, Woodlands,” and in this letter was another. This other latter was written on the back of a telegraphic envelope. I read this letter and kept it. I then destroyed it. I recollect the major portion of the contents. I read it half-a-dozen times. It began, “ Dear Tommy Dodd—l should like very much to see you. I have not asked them,

aa it is contrary jto the rules. Althoogl they are very kind, still they must d< their duty. What dreadful weather ; i it don’t soon clear up we must both another ark. 1 have been writing ti Kitty this afternoon.” The latter concludes, “ ever yours, Megrims." On th< outride was written, “Mr Ha’l." I don’ remember anything else. Mr Pay—Yon seem to recollect th( contents of the letter pret .y wall, bat j will refresh yoar memory a li.tle. Die the letter contain these words—“ I an writing you a few words just to tell yoi ;o keep your heart up i” No ; there vas something about. “ Cheer up— Honday will soon be here.”

Did the letter state—“ I have been writing to Kitty this afternoon ?” No.

Nor “ I have received a letter from Kitty this afternoon I ' —Not Did the letter contain these words, " I had a note from Kitty yesterday V’ —

No ; I do not recollect this. Nor “I told her I would write you (Hall) a few lines I ' —No ; I am sure the letter did not contain those words.

Nor “ From always your friend, Megrims —No. Nor the expression “ love ? ’ —No. Mr Hay then drew the Court’s attention to Mr White’s opening remarks, and said ho had compered the notes he took of these remarks with other legal gentlemen, and with the newspaper reports, and found that Mr White’s remarks were calculated to mislead the public respecting the contents of the letter, Mr White said that he only stated what were about the contents ot the Utter. He also objected to mere newspaper reports being quoted. Mr Joynt said his note of what the Crown Prosecutor had said agreed with what Mr Hay had stated. He said it waa not fair such diverse remarks about the letter should go forth to the public. They had a tendency to affect the jury by-and-bye. The Court did not think the point c f any importance at all and were of opinion it wonld not affect the j"T iWWtjft.li

Arthur Ormaby deposed I am a t licitor pmcti«lng in Ilmara. 1 know t mused Hall I prepared the will of Mrs < all by Ball’s los'ructions on the 24 f ,h , uly, Mrs Hall came to me, In'; with , iference to the will I saw Hall a few , ays before the 24 h July. Hall said [rs Kail was coming to see me on the ibjeot in a few days ; that was before la 24th. On this date, after seeing [all I drafted the will; engrossed it on 19 27th On the 29 b Mrs Hall came lone and read the will herself. 1 then :ept it a few days. Hall came for it, and ave me a written receipt for it. He ;ot the will, and made the receipt out n the 4'h August, 1885, I did not write a Mrs Hall concerning the will. I was lot Hall’s solicitor, nor Mrs Hall’s, but iome long time*, ago two |or three maia ago—she spoke to me about her rust property I was in my office when [ spoke to her. The last time I rememier Mrs Hall coming to me was during Japtaln Cain’s lifetime to sea something ibout a deed of indemnity to be given to tilm. This would be about three months before he died* Petar William Hutton, examined by Mr Martin—l am a bookseller in Timaru. I know Hall, the male accused. Hall saw me about tla book " Action of Medicines,” by Dr Headlong. Hall c|me into the corner of my shop in which medical books are kept. He mentioned “ antimony ” as being what be wanted information on. Amongst other books I took this one down, and looking at the contents I referred to the page on that subject The leaves not being cat I held the book open, saying, “ Hera.Mr Hall, that la what you’re inquiring for.” With my permission be cut the leaves and bongbt the book. He saw me subsequent to this, about a month afterwards, and said he would like me to let him have a look at 11 Taylor on Poisons,” making the remark that he would bring it ever again. This was done, the book was brought back, and re-borrowed shortly afterwards. Upon the second occasion of his returning His book, I said “You hid better buy the book Mr Hall ; I’ve had it a long time in stock, and I'll let you have it cheap.” I offered it to him for 16s 6i, and he took it at that price, and before going out of the shop p it the book on the top of a glass case, took a pencil ost of his pocket and wrote at the beginning and end of the book. He wrote on the brown cover. 1 identify that as the book I sold Hall. Before leaving the shop, he made further enquiries ai to other books on poisons, which 1 said 1 would procure for him if he required them. I see writing in this book—[pro duced] —at both ends. The position ol the writing ia just what I expected il would be. I could not give the data It was a cash purchase. I hive a don hi about It—a little, I think he had t hi lag over two or three shillings. I cu tell from my books when he bought “Th( Action of Medicines.” It was on Satur dsy, May 9th, 1885. James Forbes—l am foreman p’umbei for James Oragia. I was working a Hall’s house last Much, and fioiihe< about the 15;h April. I know Hall’ bedroom upstairs, off which a stnalle bedroom opens. I noticed a door ia th side of the wall leading out from thi room to the loft to a space between fn downstairs ceiling and the ro )f. 1 wen in there I had to fit bell-wires. I ha> to use a candle there as it was so dark It appeared to me to have been used as lumber room. There were a few pl°css c rag and paper scattered about. I did nc observe any straw or kerosene. All th rags that were there were of a dar colour. There were no bags of any kin of pieces of timber. Thomas Peters, examined by M Martin—l am a grocer’s assistant a Hibbard’s. I know Mr Hall, the accused I could not say when he came to the shop but I think it was about the beginning o August. He ordered a tin of kerosene He ordered It to be wrapped In brow: paper, and sent to his office. I did s giving it to the carried, Abbition. Th entry in the book is dated the 2a August. Hall has been dealing wit Hibbard for a long time. He has know: them seven or eight years, ever sine he has been there. Kerosene ha been sent to Hall’s house, but was no ordered by Hall himself. It was sent t his house, not to his office. It is not th usual thing when selling kerosene to wraj the tin up in brown paper. The kerosem boro the Crystal brand, similar to the kin< always sold to Hall, I can, on referenc to the day-book, tell you how often p e vious to this we supplied Hall’s house wit! kerosene. On May 21st there was an entr of kerosene, but the entry is not in nr handwriting. From the beginning o June the entries of kerosene which I sole are—July 14th, one case (two tins) o kerosene to Hall, to be sent to house. Benj Edward Hibbard—l know accuser Hall. Be has been dealing with me foi two years. I believe there was somi kerosene sent to Hall’s, and from the book 1 see the entry 1j July 14th, 1 case (twe tins) to Hall. On August 2nd he got one tin ; it was sent to him, Andrew Avison—l am|a grocer’s boy employed by Mr Hibbard. I took a parcel to Hall and Meason’a office about a montti ago. The parcel was a hard one, and war wrapped up in brown paper. It wai about the same s'ze and shape as a tin of kerosene. 1 took it into the cart, took II to the office, and by Wilson's instructions placed it on a tablo. C. W. Wilson —I am a clerk at Hall and Measou’s. I know the last witness. 1 remember him coming to the office about a month ago. He left a parcel wrapped in brown paper at the office. It was taken in aod left on a corner of the table in a room next to the office. This boy I think has left parcels before. I don’t know what became of the parcel which was left When £ passed through the office some time afterwards It was not there. I have no idea what time I saw the parcel and cannot say if I missed it the same day that I first saw it. I did not see what the parcel was. Hall in coming to the office would sometimes walk and eonetimes drive. Karo-

sene was not used to my knowledge in the office, nor had I seen gass burned ; there may be a meter. In the beginning of this book—[“ Taylor on Poisons ”] — there is some writing. I should think it was Hall’s writing. I have had many opportunities of seeing his writing. 1 should also say it is Hall’s writing at the end of the book ; I have no doubt whatever. I produce the books of the Imperial Insurance Company, of which Hall was agent. In the policy, or order book, I find an entry of ll(h June, in my handwriting. I wrote this at Hall’s instructions. The policies are one on his

furniture and the other over his house. The first is an entry Insuring his furniture and effects for a total of £6OO in a building known as Woodlands, North street. The words are—“ln a building of brick and concrete, partitions and ceilings plaster, Woodlands, North street .” I have heard Hall's' house spoken of as Woodlands The next is Insuring the house known as Woodlands for £SOO, and outhouse and dairy, £75. I h*ve the ledger, showing that the account for the premium was chirged to Hall's account and credited to the Company. Tliis ledger is iu my own handwriting. I was his plerk, and it was my duty to prake this en‘ry. He did not giye me instructions. | charge! the executors of H. Cain with the premium on the house, 1 charged this because I saw that the money had not been paid. Maud Haraeraley—l am the wife of I A. St. G. Hameraley, solicitor, I know I Mr and Mrs Hall. I was at their house } shortly before Mrs Ball's baby was born. I had some tea at their house, I had been in good health up to that time. Mr and Mrs Hall and Miss Houston were in the room, also My Hamersley and Mr Smithron, but I am not quits sure about

the latter. Tea was passed round and I took a cup—l think from the tray. I cannot remember If the tea was poured oat in the room. When 1 took the tea somebody said something—either Hall or Mias Houston—that it was Mrs Hall's tea, giving as a reason that it had no sugar or milk it it. I drank the tea. I cannot remember if they told me more than that it was Mrs Hall's tea. I did not pat milk or sugar in the tea. I drank It a* it was. I remained at the house about half an hour. After drinking the tea, I drove from Hall’s direct home. I was very sickduring the drive and beforal left, also when I got home. A few minutes elapsed before I felt 111 after drinking the tea. 1 could keep anything on my stomach. I was all right next day. The sickness continued for some lime. I could not account for the sickness in any way and have not been so violently ill since. I retched a food deal after taking food. 1 know the house occupied by Hall, and waa there on the Tuesday morning after prisoners were arrested. I stayed there till the Thursday fo’lowing. I was ic a small room upstairs. On the Wednesday evening I noticed a smell of kerosene. Mrs Ellison the nurse was with me. I went up to a cupboard to sea if there waa kerosene there—the only cupboard in the room. I saw a tin of kerosene then round the corner of the door. You could not see it as yon opened the door, as there is a chimney right in front. I saw soma things, but I did not notice them sufficiently to remember and describe them. The smell of kerosene in the garret or loft was much stronger than in the room. I lifted the tin of kerosene to see how much was in it, and found it nearly fulL I jest took It out and put it back. I did not remove the tin. Mrs Hatnersley’s depositions were read oyer, and she signed them. Too door then at 5 10 p.m. adjourned to 10 30 next m niog.

TO-DAY’S PROCEEDINGS. Timulbu,'September 1. The Hall enquiry wai resumed this morning at 10 30. The h 'Sting of the fot« gery charges against Hail was ■ et down foe to-day bat at the request of Mr White • remand for seven days was granted. The evidence given by a laborer in the employ of Hall, who had charge of the house during repairs waa to the effect that the garret contained a quantity of rags, enough to fid a bucket, but not ao much as were shown to have been there when th's police searched, Kesosone was used in lighting, but a'ways kept in the outhouse

Gunn deposed to Hall buying antimony on Juno 18th. when ho said it was to make cigarettes for asthma. Be bought two drams of antimony on June 26th, and colchictm wine on July 5, July 17, July 31, and August 4 ; on each occasion two ounces.

Eichbaum, another chemist, sold Hall half an ounce of antimony and some stramonium seeds on August 4, and some antimonial wine on June 12th. Accused purchased atiopiu drops on June 3rd and colchicum wine on July 6. - W. Salek, chemist’s apprentice, sold Hall colchicum wine on July 26th and August 7th, two ounces each time. Evidence waa then taken as to the promissory notes alleged to have been forged by Hall and put in the bank’s hands as security on Ball and Meason’s account M. Mitton said the signature waa like his, and Steadman the Manager of the Bank of New South Wales, said Ball gave them to him as security for an overdraft of £7OOO or £BOOO.

Davidson, local agent A. ALP. Insurance deposed to Hall insuring his wifs’s life for £6OOO in two policies, one life and the other seven years, in August last year. On August DHh accused said he would renew the latter policy. This was all the evidence taken np to one o'clock when the Court adjourned.