THE GISBORNE MURDER CASE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 2095, 27 March 1889, Page 2

THE GISBORNE MURDER CASE.

« CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE.

(FBR PBESS ASSOCIATION.)

Gisborne, March 26.

On the Oourt resuming this morning, Halra Te Perl wbb put Into the dook and the first Indictment preferred against him, viz tbat for the murder of Frank Pook on December 5. Mr Gully of Wellington, with him Mr Nolan of Gleborne appeared for the Crown, Mr K.nny, with blm Mr Watson of Glsborne, for the defence, Mr Gully made an eloquent opening address lasting sn boar and a quarter. Evidence was given by Edward Swan, brother of Mrs Pook • Mr Hamilton, sobonlmaster ; Mr Wallls, J.P , and Sergeant Tllllers as to the discovery of tbe bodies, footprints, and other marks and olroumstaDOßß. Garrard, a Native constable, gave evidence a. to a oonversa Mon with Halra Te Perl before the arrest, and Henry McOllnoby who accompanied him corroborated. In answer to Garrard's question, Halra said on the day of the murder he got from Walplri tb RepottTo, where he was fonnd aud arrested, by inward traoks, whioh avoid Matahu, Popk's plaoe, doing the dletanpo ln three hours. This proved Impossible, the journey being at least six hours. In Hair a's wbare Garard found a blood-stained ooat. Halra said the blood came from a calf whioh he brauded at a place on tbe journey. A shirt and waistcoat bloodstained were alao found and aoaounted for In a similar ttnnner. The trousers prisoner said he had worn were new, and oould never have been worn. His boots were found to have blood stains, and there was blood on the left toot oorreponding with a footprint on the fbor of Pook's house. Halra had been gambling and was without money on tbe day of the murder. Garrard fonnd money on him, whioh he said bis brother gave him. The brother will be called to deny this. When questioned and searched before the arrest prisoner showed great signs of fear. Tbe Court adjourned, the jury being looked up.