Second Edition THE RUAHINE MURDER.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 12 February 1915, Page 3

Second Edition THE RUAHINE MURDER.

+J1 ROTTMANN ON TRIAL. [per press association.} Waaiganui. Feb. 12. Tho murder trial was resumed to-day Dr 'lurnbull was recalled and in reply to- the Crown Prosecutor said he came to the conclusion that death had occurred 48 hours previous to his second examination on Wednesday morning. Detective Sergeant Rornele detailed the arrest of accused, who was found crouching down -i by tlie side of a tree behind Te Ivamara homestead. Witness covered him with a revolver, telling to put up his hands, which he did, at the same time saying "1 am guilty. T know what I have done." On leading accused out of the bush witness charged him with murder, and he replied, "I am guilty; God punish the man who brought liquor into this country" Acting Detective Dempsey who assisted in the capture of accused said accused was very quiet when arrested and said "I had been drinking heavily," Later on ho said" When I got home tho doors were locked. I had a bottle of whiskv. I don't know where I got it." Constable Crow who escorted accused to Wellington after his committal at Mangawoka, stated that the latter said on the train: "On the mtornmg of 28th December I got home about three oclock and went out with McCann to the cow byre. McCann was putting on a new board. I asked him to let me do it as I was a carpenter/' 'You aro too full," he said. I said "I can swing an axe and swung it round my head accidentally hitting McCann. 1 then slept for two hours, and when 1 woke up and saw McCann lying there r got another bottle of whisky and drank it wanting to kill myself. 1 then went to Mrs McCann's bedroom to tell Iter what I had done. I don't remember anything more until I came to the 1 cowbail and saw McCann. I got sober all at once and t*hen put four kerosene tins oF water into the milk, and went to the factory." Witness 1 understood that accused had received fi telegram from Mr Wilford saying ' "Write nothing; do nothing; say nothing."