HYPNOTIC CRIME.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 March 1921, Page 1

HYPNOTIC CRIME.

major and a murder charge. MONTREAL. Jan. 18 Hypnotism is given as an explanation of the murder in the heart, of the financial quarter of this city of Mr William Holland, manager of the firm nf McDougall Brothers, stockbrokers. On the day of the crime Mr Holland, who was very well known here, was alone in his office after the market had been closed. The occupants of a neighbouring office heard a shot, and a moment later Mr Holland, rushing in, exclaimed, “I’ve been shot.” He tell dead at their feet. There was no trace of the murdotei, and detectives at first thought it was a case of suicide. Two hours later, .Major Bob Griffiths, a prominent business man, formerly an Assistant PiovostMarshal, gave himself up, confessing to the murder. The explanation given by the relatives of both parties is that Major Griffiths imagined that Air Holland, who is said to have hypnotised him at •u, amateur gathering two years ago, had exercised.au occult influence over him ever since. . The major said Air Hollands mind was stronger than bis, according to the relatives, and the only way he could conquer was by depriving Air Holland of sleep at nights through remaining awake himself and concentrating bis mind on keeping his supposed enemy awake. The major wore down hw own health by weakening Mr Holland’s hvpnotic force. The coroner’s jury found a verdict oi murder against Major Griffith- vHm is considered to he insane, and has been, it is said, an inmate of a sanatorium.