MUNN ON TRIAL

Hokitika Guardian, 21 May 1930, Page 5

MUNN ON TRIAL

* COUNSEL for DEFENCE

(By Telegraph—Press Association).

AUCKLAND, May 21

This ymorningp- Mr Noriiefoft resumed his address. He said there was a possibility Airs Muififi frjad taken strychnine because of a fear of pregnancy. Women in such circumstances had been known to do extraordinary things. Evidence would be called fo snow Mrs Munn bad on an occasion taken drugs for a similar purpose, jiunn would give evidence of a conversation he had with bis wife, and of bis advising her strongly not to meddle with things of which she knew nothing. Counsel went on to argue that the woman’s behaviour in illness was consistent with her having taken poison for the purpose indicated. The accused, Munn, giving evidence said his first marriage was unhappy and eventually his wife left him with the children who ranged from 5 'years to 3 weeks. From that time v until his children left him, about three years ago, his first wife had not interested herself in tlieni, and subsequently lie divorced her on. the grounds of desertion and married again. Witness detailed arrangements between himself and bis wife regarding the property, showing he had to bear the burden. “I deny absolutely that I ever knocked my wife about. After the children left me I know they went to my first wife. They never came back or showed any affection afterwards.” Referring to the evidence of one daughter regarding his wife having to barricade the door against him, witness said it was harmless joking between them. Munn, explaining why lie got in touch with Mrs Stuck, said he was lacking in some mental activity. , He had no intention of seeking matrimonial or any alliance of the sort. It was only because the clerk at the newspaper counter insisted that the words ‘‘view matrimony” were inserted in the advertisement, rie got fifty-three replies and reduced them to two, of whom Airs Stuck was one. He met the other who wanted “spotting and smoking,” so he dropped her as soon as he could. He then saw Mrs ' g.tiuc'x. There was never an.v lovemaking. His wife was “well when Airs Stuck went to Christchurch.” The case is proceeding.