SUPPOSED MURDER AT AUCKLAND.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2712, 18 December 1882, Page 3

SUPPOSED MURDER AT AUCKLAND.

[fRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.]

AUCKLAND, December 15,

The following are additional particulars re the supposed murder of Hugh Aitkin Hamilton, particulars of whose death by the supposed falling against a foot of his bed by stumbling in the dark and fracturing Lis skull, have been already telegraphed, and regarded as suspicious. At the time there were apparently contradictions in Mrs Hamilton’s statement, and several improbabilities in connection with the affair imparted a sinister coloring to it in the light of subsequent discoveries. When Superintendent Thomson consented to make further investigation, he placed the matter in Detective Walker’s hands a week ago, certain suspicious facts which had come out in the meantime having warranted the utmost vigilance of search and scrutiny. The suspicions pointed to a young man named Priestly. Numbers of people were reported to be in possession of evidence of a more or less damnatory character, and these were all diligently sought and interrogated before either of the two principals were approached. A variety of evidence presumptive and in some cases direct was obtained, tending to show that Priestly and Mrs Hamilton had been very intimate, and that the domestic relations of Mr and Mrs Hamilton had for some time past been of an unhappy character, and that the unfortunate deceased

was jealous of his wife. No absolute proof of improper intercourse between the accused pair has been obtained, but they were frequently together, and Priestly had more than once taken the woman to St. James’ Church. In the meantime suspicion got abroad, and became subject of common talk, both in the neighborhood and amongst the congregation of St. James’. It was alleged, among other things, that a blood-stained axe had been seen in Mrs Hamilton’s house, and that she had carefully concealed it, and that Priestley had been noticed about the house on the night of the 28th ult. In order to ascertain what Priestly had to say for himself. Superintendent Thomson determined to interrogate him in person, and accordingly a messenger was sent for him. He was found between 4 and 5 p.m. in the house of Mr Alex. Nelson (Hamilton’s brother-in-law), in Eden Terrace District. Mrs Hamilton has been residing there since the inquest, and Priestly had been making occasional visits there. On this *ccasion, however, she was in. Priestly readily accompanied the messenger hack to the police station, and was duly questioned. He made so many contradictory statements, however, that the superintendent’s suspicions were strengthened against him, and when Mrs Hamilton was seen, and also gave contradictory information, it was resolved to lose no further time in proceeding to action. The dwelling places of both prisoners were visited, and sufficient evidence was obtained to justify Superintendent Thomson to issue a warrant for the arrest of both Mrs Hamilton and Priestly. In the woman’s house an old and greatly used American axe was discovered, which to a casual observation presents no unusual appearance. The critical eye of the detective, however, perceived some dull stains upon the blunt edge of the iron head and along contiguous portions of the handle. Both wood and metal looked as if there had been a recent attempt made to clean them, but the effort to erase the suspicious looking stains had pot been entirely successful. The officer was besides convinced they were blood stains, but that remains to be shown by medical analysis. No other fresh traces of blood seem to have been got in or about the house, but there is one other collateral fact bearing upon Hamilton’s alleged inebriety thought to be of significance. It has been ascertained that after returning home he placed the Orange Lodge books upon their accustomed shelf, and in accordance with his habit also took his watch from his waistcoat and carefully hung it up. These are looked upon as singularly exact precautions for a drunken man to take. Amongst Priestly’s clothing further suspicious -evidence was brought to light. A pair of dark tweed trousers, somewhat worn i n appearance-, were found loosely packed away in his trunk with other clothing, and after a cursory inspection a moist and dark colored spot of blood was detected at the very bottom of one leg. The searchers also came across a handkerchief staiued here and there with blood. With this fresh and highly sinister evidence to hand. Superintendent Thomson determined to stay his hand no longer. Accordingly warrants were made out this morning for the arrest of Mrs Hamilton and Thos. Priestly on a charge of wilful murder, and Detectives Strathearn and Walker were commissioned to execute without delay the warrant for arrest. Priestly was found at his lodgings in the dwelling of Mr A. Neilson, Mount Eden, at which house Mrs Hamilton also resides. When the officers made known their business he made no statement, being apparently fully prepared. Mrs Hamilton was taken into custody later. It would be idle and unfair to recite all the reported incidents alleged against the accused for bona fide, for many of them have yet to be tested. Two, however, which are vouched for on good authority, may rightly he mentioned. One is that Mr Richardson, deputy superintendent of the Sunday school, met Priestly about 7.30 o’clock on the night of the 2Sth ult. going into Gorrie’s house in Pitt street, and in conversing with him Priestly mentioned that he intended to walk to Onehunga that night. Richardson remarked upon the singularity of such an undertaking, but got no explanation of it. They then parted, and on the following morning, when Hamilton’s death was reported. Priestly came to him and reminded him that ho had said on the previous night he was going out to Onehunga. Another circumstance is that Priestly purchased strychnine on two occasions prior to Hamilton’s death, but it cannot be found out that he made any use of it. Of course the news caused great sensation in town, both on account of Priestly’s character and repute as a Sunday school teacher and theological student, and Mrs Hamilton’s relationship to the alleged victim, as well as her supposed connection with the other prisoner. The case is one of the most sensational character, and so far it is built upon almost entirely circumstantial evidence. Thomas Priestly is by no means a stranger in Auckland, for being of a religious turn of mind and considered a most upright young man, he made numerous acquaintances, especially among those of the Presbyterian persuasion. Four years ago ho lived at Awitu, near Manukau Heads, and then, it is stated, was not in the best of circumstances, but a turn in the wheel of fortune placed him soon in an almost independent position. It came about in this way. A gentleman at Awitu, named McTier, sold his estate for a considerable sum of money, and resolved to put it to some useful purpose, and about the same time T. Priestly attracted his attention by suddenly leaving the Roman Catholic Church, of which he had been previously a warm supporter. Priestly professed to see a new light, and he turned Protestant. This was just the very man McTier wanted, and he decided to lend him a helping hand in his “ search after truth.” .Priestly also about this time became an object of public sympathy owing to several misfortunes which fell fast upon him. One night his whare was burned down, and there were not wanting many mouths to declare that this was the work of some religious opponent who had become wroth because of Priestly’s turning from the Church o) hia fathers. However, McTier took him in hand. He (McTier) had a great desire to do something in the religious cause, anc as he was too old himself to go aboul preaching ho resolved to send Priestly anc another young man to Auckland, and then assist them in the preparation foi the ministry. Priestly, upon being askec whether he was agreeable to such a pro posal, said there was nothing he desirec more. It was arranged he should become a Presbyterian student. His friend wa rather inclined to the Wesleyans, but thei . pntron would not assist him that way, am ; he consented to join Priestly and cas i his lot in with the Presbyterians They came to Auckland about tw ■ years ago, and both started to stud , hard, for neither could boast of any grea scholarly attainment, yet Priestly was no

willing to waste either time or money, and with this object in riew he got employment at the Auckland Timber Mills. Here he remained for twelve months, pursuing his studies during the evening with much energy. He also, during this time, became connected with St. James’ Presbyterian Church school. Band of Hope, and other institutions connected therewith, and proved a most active worker in all he undertook. In the Sunday school he had a large class of boys, and occasionally opened and closed the school with prayer. Ho conducted a Sunday morning Bible class, and when it happened, as it did upon one or two occasions that the minister of the church could not attend the weekly prayer-meeting Priestly came to the front and proved a very able substitute. He generally appeared greatly affected by religious services, and, to a listener, had the appearance of a very pious young man. Indeed, he spoke slowly, deliberately, and impressively, and his discourses wore usually much appreciated. In fact, he was looked forward to as a most promising student. About a year since he ceased manual labor altogether, and devoted himself solely to study. He became connected with the Rev. P. Mason s advanced class, and from that time until the present has been a student there. Priestley’s labors in the cause of religion also extended rapidly, and while he still remained a member of St. James Church, he undertook to conduct worship in country churches, and on various occasions preached from the pulpits at Onehunga, Otahuhu, Epsom, and other places. He looks between 24 and 26 years of age, and is rather above the medium height. In short. Priestly is about the last man suspicions would connect with the crime with which he is now charged, without some evidence of a very implicatory character was forthcoming. Hugh Aitken Hamilton, the deceased, was a tall, powerfully-built man of thirty-one years of age, of florid complexion and mild temper. For many years he worked with Messrs Sargood, Son and B wen, warehousemen, but for some short time prior to his death was in the employ of Archibald Clark and Sons, Shortland street. He took great interest in Newton Orange Society, and held the responsible position of secretary to the lodge. He also was a regular church goer, and attended St. James’with great regularity, and sometimes in company with his wife or mother, but oftener alor e. The Sabbath school also occupied a good deal of his time, and he for many years taught a c.ass of boys. For some time he was very zealous in the work, but for the last fe .v months of his life he appeared less inclined for it, and was very irregular in attendance. It has been stated he was inclined towards intemperance, hut few persons can be found to assert he was unable to take care of himself. That his death should be caused therefore in any way by excessive drinking was difficult for many to believe, and great surprise was experienced by hia friends when disclosures on this head were made at the inquest.

Mrs Miriam Hamilton, wife of the deceased, who is also suspected to be implicated in this strange and melancholy case, is a woman of thirty-five years _ of age, somewhat tall, spare, and possessing rather hard features. So far as can be teamed she lived with her on good terms since their marriage up till a short time ago, when her husband’s jealousy led to occasional words. They had two or three children, of whom Hamilton was excessively fond, and they were one of the greatest attractions of his home. Mrs Hamilton’s mother, sisters and brothers are at present in town, and she lived with them until within a few days ago, and then she removed to Eden terrace district. She has throughout the enquiry exhibited but little emotion, and when spoken to on the subject of her husband’s death, has answered all questions, and given voluntary statements regarding the circumstances clearly and with no apparent reserve.

AUCKLAND, December 17. The following are additional particulars re the supposed murder of Hugh Hamilton :—Priestley has given three different statements as to where he resided on the night of Hamilton’s death. The detectives on going to the places named found the statements incorrect, viz., to Onehunga, Mangere, and fishing at Rangitoto Channel. Priestly stated on his way hack from Onehunga he called in at Morgan’s chemist’s shop in Karangahape road about noon, and there learnt of the murder. Those who were present said on being told that Hamilton was dead, he exclaimed “ What Hamilton ?” and on being answered, professed great astonishment and concern, and then hastened away, saying his wife would be in a great state, and he must see her. The evidence inculpating Mrs Hamilton also consists in some parts of contradictory statements. While she alleges her husband to have been drunk when he came home, and to have fallen helplessly at full length against the iron bedstead, he is shown to have left the York Hotel at midnight quite sober, and that his lodge books were carefully placed away at home, and his watch wound up and removed from his waistcoat. Again, too, there is the statement that he did not reach home till between 1 and 2 a.m. Very suggestive circumstances are that the wall of Hamilton’s bedroom at the foot of his bed has been found to ha lightly bespattered with blood, while on Detective Walker’s arrival at the house on the morning of Hamilton’s death he noticed there had been a recent attempt to wash away traces of blood. He wanted to see Hamilton’s clothes, but could not. He says further that Mrs Hamilton was not removed from the house in an unconscious state, hut that she went into her mother’s upon someone recommending her to do so. Great stress is laid upon the discovery of the bloodstained axe. Robert Neilson (Mrs Hamilton’s brother) found it on the morning of the sad affair lying in a plot of grass between his house and that of his sister, and a little girl says she saw Mrs Hamilton carrying it into her house behind a broom next”morning. It is stated by persons well known to the family that Mrs Hamilton a short time ago consulted a solicitor with the object of securing a divorce, and that at the same time she was on very intimate terms with Priestly. A more serious matter which is attracting public attention is the strange coincidence that on the day Hamilton died an infant of the family also departed this life, and was buried with its father. This becoming publicly known outside caused much comment, and now there are not wanting many who assert that the child died an unnatural death. The police are called upon to take this additional mystery in hand, and unravel it to the satisfaction of all. Tho purchase of strychnine hy Priestly at Onehunga from Mr Gillman, chemist, on the 13th November, is alluded to with the significance that Henderson, the chemist, whose shop is situated in Queen street, narrates a curious incident, which seems to have some bear- ; ing on tho case. He says—“ When I saw the report of the supposed murder case in the papers I had recalled to mind an incident which occurred about six or seven weeks ago. A young man answering • to description given of Priestly came into my store, and making a few purchases asked if he could be furnished with some strychnine, as he wished to send it up to a friend of his in tho country for the purpose of killing Maori dogs, which were a great nuisance. I replied that he cuuld bo supplied if he brought a reliable witness. He then left, and two days after, about 7.30 p.m., he again entered the shop with a female, who, not being (in Henderson’s opinion) a reliable witness, he declined to sell it.” Jas. A. Sneed, employed at McMaster’s, draper, in Queen street, had an interview with Priestly on the morning of Hamilton’s burial, bearing directly on the subject ot the supposed murder. Sneed gives this statement: —" It was on the morning of the burial, when I was in the shop, that Thomas Priestly came in, and in the course of a conversation he volunteered that, in his opinion, Hamilton had been waylaid and thrashed.” He also remarked—“ Yon know I was out at Onehunga that night i and did not return till three o’clock non

afternoon.” He also said —“ Hamilton must have boon a strong man, for all along the sides of the passage you could see blood marks where his hands had been, and it must have been outside the house where he was struck.” Priestley seemed under the impression it was not within the building Hamilton received the cuts, and said he had made particular enquiry of them—meaning, I suppose, Mrs Hamilton and friends—as to how tho doors were left, whether open or closed. It has already been decided to exhume the bodies of Hugh Hamilton and his child, when careful medical examination can he entered into, and the several points at present enveloped in mystery may he effectually cleared up. Priestley has been in the province of Auckland almost since childhood, having come from Hobart. His father was an Englishman, and both his parents are dead. _ He has a brother resident in Northern vvairoa, Kaipara. It is stated he was at one time servant to Father Paul, Onehunga. The Rev. Peter Mason states that Priestley was not a Presbyterian divinity student but studying with him to pass the Arts examination, conditional to . entering upon ministerial training. Priestly, who was represented by Mr Tyler, and Mrs Hamilton by Mr Thomas Cooper, were charged at the Police Court to-day with Hamilton’s murder, and remanded till Friday. Priestly was calm, Mrs Hamilton much agitated.