MUNN ON TRIAL

Hokitika Guardian, 13 May 1930, Page 5

MUNN ON TRIAL

LENGTHY ADDRESS,

BY CROWN PROSECUTOR

(By Telegrapn—Per Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, May 12

At the Munn murder trial, the Crown Prosecutor continued his address this afternoon, and lie had not concluded when the Court adjourned. Mr Meredith dealt exhaustively with every detail of the ease, as outlined in the Police Court. His address has now occupied over three hours. So far bis address has given no indication of fresh evidence. Mr Meredith Intimated that he might not address the jury after the hearing of evidence. The Court was crowded throughout the day. Many women were present. Numbers w r ere unable to gain admission.

AUCKLAND, May 13

The Crowm Prosecutor finished his opening address this morning. It occupied four hours. He submitted there was no possibility of ally strychnine being in the medicine that was given on the doctor’s prescription because she had her first convulsive attack before the doctor prescribed. The evidence all went to show the woman had no thought of suicide. If someone administered poison to the woman then Munn had the opportunity and nobody else. He also had the motive. He was tired of his wife. He had got into touch with another woman and his infatuation for her apparently was reciprocated. After his w'ife’s death he arranged w'ith the woman to keep house for him, and later he pronosed to her. There was also the fact that one month after Munn bought the strychnine his wife made her will in his favour. It was true Munn bought the strychnine in his own. name and sent for a doctor, but death w’ithout calling in a doctor would mean an inquest inevitably. Evidence is now’ being heard. Mrs Sarah Little Campbell, of Wellington, : mother of Mrs Munn gave evidence. Cross-examined she said she learned of her daughter’s death and of the funeral arrangements from Munn. Oliver A. H. Munn, accused’s son, was asked about the conduct of Munn '■towards his wife (witness's stepmother).

Mr Northeroft, for the defence, objected, Ijjut the judge admitted the, question.

Witness: said Munn spoke roughly to his wdfe and sometimes pushed her about.

Cross-examined lie said, up till the time' he left home he had found Miinn a good father. He denied business quarrels with his father. He left home because he thought he might be causing friction between his father and 'his stepmother. At the end of a long cross-exminatiion witness Avas visibly affected, and wiped tears from his eyes.