The Wairarapa Murder Case.

Feilding Star, Volume XVII, Issue 35, 9 August 1895, Page 2

The Wairarapa Murder Case.

(Per Press Association.) Wellington, Aug. 8. The evidence for tbe prosecution in the charge of murder against Sommerville was similar to the details of the tragedy already published. _ The cross examination was directed principally to eliciting whether prisoner was drunk or sober, and some of tbe evidence was to the effect tbat Sommerville showed signs of drink. For tbe defence Mr Jellicoe argued tbat if drunkenness caused bim to form tbe iutention to murder Herbert, tbe prisoner could only be found guilty of manslaughter. The bad to consider whether the Crown had proved positive intention to murder. Counsel then argued tbat Sommerville was really not responsible for his action and bad committed tbe crime in a fit of insanity. He laid great stress on tbe fact tbat prisoner bad never been left alone since bis arrest, but had always bad a warder witb him. He concluded by intimating that be would call a number of witnesses including medical evidence, to prove what he had advanced. Two witnesses named McCausyland residents of Canterbury, wbo bad gone to school witb Somerville, deposed tbat be was known as " the idiot " and was of a very vicious temper. Their evidence generally was tbat be and otber members of bis family were of weak intellect. It is understood there are a dozen more witnesses to be called.