The Petone Murderer.

Hastings Standard, Issue 280, 25 March 1897, Page 2

The Petone Murderer.

BOSHER'S CAREER. [By Telegraph.] (l'<i(£J>rtxs Axsociation.) Wellington, March 21. According to the narrative of Bosher's career published by the Post, the convict's real name is Otienne Jean Brocher, which would account for the fact that he used to be known in Akaroa as Brousher. He is believed to have been born about 1857, in Belfort. He first became known to the police in Timaru in 187!, when a charge of theft against him was dismissed. Next year he got IN months for forgery. He then went to Akaroa, where he married his first wife in 187 N. In 1882 lie disappeared after borrowing a horse and saddle, which he sold in Lyttelton. A warrant is still out against him for this, but the witnesses are not now available. Until he returned in 1890 nothing is known but his own account already published that he was forced to serve among the mmx ildiniii i's of the French army in Algiers. On returning lie telegraphed to his wife asking whether he could come back to her, and she replied, "No; never." ller own description of him is " My husband is a sort of man who, if he- knew a ltwn had money in his house, would make friends of him and then take, every means to <>et it. One who did not know him would think him genuine but he is a b;id lot." Although the jury were out so long it is stated that eleven were in favor, but the other objected to capital punishment, and the time was spent bringfng him round to the views of the majority. No comment is made on the facts, but it was very nolieeahie that Boslier, when asked if he bad anything to say before sentence was pronounced, made no protestations of his innocence. in ease it may be wondered that the Crown Prosecutor's final statement about the pepper was never placed before the jury, it should be explained that legally it was not evidence. Other entries in .Kmc-'s books of purchases by the prisoner were adduced during the trial because Bosher himself admitted them, but this one could not and no corroborate e evidence Could be obtained.