PONSONBY MURDER

Hokitika Guardian, 19 April 1920, Page 3

PONSONBY MURDER

(Per Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, April 17

The hearing was concluded of the ease against Dennis Gunn, charged with the murder of Augustus E. Braithwaife, postmaster at Ponsonby, on March 13, and robbery at Post Office. The accused pleaded “Not Guilty,” and reserved his defence. He was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. The Magistrate, Mr Wilson, who also sat as Coroner, in returning his finding in that capacity, said he would give the accused the opportunity of going into the witness box and giving any evidence he might wish. Counsel said prisoner would elect not to give evidence. Mr Wilson then gave his finding as Coroner. He said he had no doubt that Braithwaite came to his death by murder, and there was no doubt that lie was murdered in order that the murderer might obtain the keys of the Post Office. As a' person had already been committed for trial for murder, he did not propose to carry his verdict as Coroner beyond the finding of the actual cause of death. He found that Braithwaite had been murdered, and that afterwards his keys had been taken from his clothing.