THE HALL CASE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1365, 8 October 1886, Page 3

THE HALL CASE.

CHARGE TO THE GRAND JURY.

Chkistchckch, October 8,

The 7 I naru care began at the Supreme Court this morning. The Court w»s crowded, and a number of persons as»em bled outside to see the prisoners alighting from the van, Mr Justice Johnston, in charging the Grand Jmy, said they need only examine such witnesses as were neesfsary for establishing a prima facie case. The foim of indictment would probably be for administering antimony with intention of killing and murdering the wife of Hall. After rehearing the evidence relating to Hall, the Judge pointedt mitheexistence of motive on his part for wishing his wife’s death, as he would receive the benefit of her life insurance, and 'hat his circumstances were much embarrassed _ To render, the Judge said, a man gui.ty of attempted poisoning it was sufficient for him to take any rreansby whichit would ce rendered certain or probable that the person whom he wished to poison would take. Hall had every opportnn ty of administering p ison to his wife, and had purchased antimony, a poison which was found in the urine and vomit from Mrs Hal*. The case against Miss Houston rested on the fact that she was on veiy familiar terms with Hall, that she bad amp's opportunity of administering the poison to Mrs Hall, and on the fact of her endeavoring to assist Hall to destroy a certain phial when arrested. There was no evidence of a distinct motive on her part nor of any ptomiso of Hall to marry her after his wife’s death. There were 12 charges of forgerv against Hall, but there was no necessity to comment on them. The Judge’s charge lasted about an bear. He made no reference to Captain Chin or the exhumation of his body. It hi? been definitely dec ded that Mrs Hall shall not f ive evidence. TRUE FILL.

Afior an hour and a hall’s retirement

t -e Grard Jury found a True Bill against Hall and Mies Houston for administering poison. The case will be heard at II a. m, ou Monday.