CHARGE OF MURDER.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 416, 27 January 1909, Page 8

CHARGE OF MURDER.

THE WESTPORT CASE. ■ ■ ' (DT • TELE(}KAm—rfIESS ASSOCIATION.) | , Wcstport, January 26. Tho Hearing of tho charge of the murder of Ernest John Burke against Wm. Connelly was resumed to-day, when evidence was given by Dr ISimpson,. junr., who examined the body in ' M'Lauchlan's shed, and later in tho morgue. This evidence was similar .to that given in the previous trials to the effect that death was duo to shock from injuries received from a blow by a blunt or sharp instrument. He did not notice signs of drink on deceased/;but admitted that the effect of shock might have been more severe had .ho boon prinking than otherwise. At .tho, conclusion, Mr. Doogan, counsel for accused/ i asuming.'thorb would be a committal. to the Supremo Court, asked for- a committal to Christchiirch, . contending that it would be .scarcely/in.'the' interests of justice to send accused either to Nelson or Hokitika, where thepfe'vious trials had'taken place. He cited authorities in; support of *his application, but the magistrate could not see that 'ho. had power to comply, with it'. It was finally decided'to 'adjouni to 10 a.m. to-mor-row,; the 1 Crowh. Solicitor 'in the meantime to ascertain if : thoV Crown! law authorities at Wellington would bo agreeable to tho application, by, |he,accused counsel. . '.