MUNN ON TRIAL

Hokitika Guardian, 27 May 1930, Page 5

MUNN ON TRIAL

COUNSEL ADDRESS JURY.

(By Telegraph—Press Association).

AUCKLAND, Alay 26

In the Munn case, Mr E, Northcroft s address to the jury was continued throughout the afternoon. Air Northcroft, referring, to Munn’s evidence, argued that,- in spite of a severe cross examination by Mr Meredith,, the accused’s statements had not been shaken in the slightest. He said there was really but little difference between Aluim and Dr Dadding as to what took place between them. At most there were only minor discrepancies. Under those circumstances, was the jury entitled to say that Munn was lying and that Dr Duckling was telling th e truth? Counsel said that there was only one conclusion to ibe arrived at from the detectives’ evidence. That was that the detectives had agreed on one version of Munn’s interviews with the police, and that they learned it off by heart. 1 The jury had seen Munn on several occasions unable to control his emotions'*. Either he was overcome or was an ; excellent actor, doing that for effect.- “ Air Northcroft will continue his address to-morrow morning, after which ALr Meredith will address the jury.

Air Justice Herdman' is expected to sum up on Wednesday,

CROWN PROSECUTOR'S ADDRESS AUCKLAND, May 27.

Air Aferedith, in his address to the Jury said it was quite clear that Mrs Munn died of strychnine poisoning. There were three possibilities. • She may have taken poison by accident, or

with intent, or it may have been administered to her. The first possibility could be eliminated Could it be suggested that she took strychnine for the purpose of suicide? Her letters showed she was happy. The suggestion she was taking strychnine because of pregnancy was grotesque. If suicide were eliminated, u.ie only conclusion was that somebody gave strychnine to her. Alunn had the opportunity. He gave • her food and medicine. There were

friendly neighbours ready to assist, but 'they .were !not allowed.;'Miron was also the only person who had a motive. It is quite clear he had tired of his wife. Also, lie, had ill-treated her and had become infatuated with another woman. The Crown’s suggestion was that he then became possessed of the idea of getting rid of his wife. It ..ad been stressed that Munn had gone to the doctor, but it was the only thing he could have done, because if she had died without a doctor there must have been a postmortem. Munn liad taskedgthe;doctor to tall on Thursday, one of his wife’s good days, because she had no strychnine that day. On the following day, the wife was in awful pain, but Alunn did not call the doctor. Next day lie told the doctor she was getting on well.

Mr Meredith’s address is unfinished. He will conclude shortly . after the luncheon interval,

THE CLOSING SCENES.

JUDGE SUMMING UP.

AUCKLAND, May 27.

The murder trial of Arthur Thomas Munn may end to-night, depending on the length of the Judge’s summing up, which is expected to start after lunch.