THE RUAHINE MURDER.

King Country Chronicle, Volume IX, Issue 735, 9 January 1915, Page 5

THE RUAHINE MURDER.

VERDICT AGAINST ROTTERMAN.

The inquest on tho victims of the Ruahine tragedy was concluded before Mr Haßelden, S.M., on Wednesday. Details of the capture of the accueed man Rotter man were given by the police. Sargeant Rawle stated accused said when arrested, "I'm guiliy. I know what I've done."

The fol'owing verdict wbb returned: —"That Joseph McCann, Lucy McCann, and the infant, John McCann, died at Ruahine on December 28Lh as the result of wounds wilfully inflicted by Arthur Rotterman with an axe on the head and neck, and I hot the enid Rotterman did wilfully murder the said McCanns."

Rotterman was then charged with ths murder and brought before the Court.

COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. At the conclusion of the Magisterial inquiry, the prisoner was summarily warned that any evidence lummy give could be used against him, iiotterman was asked if he desired to give evidence on hia own behalf. He replied in a clear, distinct voice, which did not nhow any nigns of a tremour, "No, uir."

Accused wan then remanded to stand his ttiul at the next sittings of the Supreme Court to he held at Wnnganui on February iJth. All eyes Were fixed on accused bh he left the courtlnusa in charge of half a dozen policemen. Rotterman was taken to Wellington by Thursday night's train, and will remain there til! the Wanganui Supreme Court sessions commence.