THE RUAHINE MURDER.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 11 February 1915, Page 3

THE RUAHINE MURDER.

TRIAL OF ROTTMANxV. [per press association.! Wanganui, This Day. A great deal of interest was manifested at the Supreme Court this morning when Arthur Hottmann was charged with murdering at Ruahine on Deceiu,'ber 28th Joseph McCann, Lucy Mary McCann and John Joseph McCann. Accused pleaded not guilty and was defended by Mr C. E. Maekay. Accused is apparently between 21 and 25. tall, well set, and intelligentlooiking. He is a German by birth, but is not- a naturalised British subject. - In opening the case the Crown Prosecutor (Mr Marshall) sai<] that it was a subject for congratulation that with the increasing population, this district bad i\-\v crimes of this nature. He had been Crown Prosecutor for many years and this was the first time he had to address a jury on a crime of this sort. If the evedienee show?d that the neused man was innocent, it would be gratifying to all, but on the other hand an atrocious murder had been committed by which three persons lost their lives, an<] if the murder was sheeted home to the accused be. asked the jury to do its duty and return a verdict of guilty. McCann was about 36, his wife 31 and the child was four mouths. The first witness called (Roberts, a surveyor) explained a plan of the locality, after which Herbert Sweet, a farmer at Ruahine. was called. He stated that McCann promised to help witness with his sheep on the Monday, but did not come.

William Neil, labourer, residing at Ruahine. said that on Boxing Day ! .- met the accused riding one of MoCann's horses and they went to Rangiwabia together and had a good many drinks during the day. Accused was drunk dining the afternoon and sobered at night. On the way home they bad a conversation about the McCann family. Accused said that McCann was a good fellow, but that lie did not like his wife, who drank too much whisky. Accused did not want to gc home to McCann's that night fearing a row with MoCann, and rode with witness to his (Neil's) father's place. .but finally left there about midnight. On Sunday morning witness saw McCann at the factory delivering his milk himself.