THE ASSASSINATION OF JAMES GIFFORD.

Kumara Times, Issue 2304, 16 January 1884, Page 2

THE ASSASSINATION OF JAMES GIFFORD.

The examination of witnesses in the case of John Donohue, charged at the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Greymouth, on Monday, with the murder of James Gifford, at Maori Creek, on the sth inst.. was concluded yesterday, and the prisoner was committed for trial. Subjoined is the evidence of the medical gentlemen who examined the body of the deceased man. The prisoner preserved his cool demeanour throughout, though he occasionally showed some nervousness, especially when the professional evidence was read over to him. In our next issue we shall give the leading features of the rest of the evidence. Dr. Morice said he examined the body of James Gifford and found a number of wounds, as follows:—A wound on top of the head about an inch long and the eighth of an inch deep, a wound on the left eyebrow and bridge of the nose, one two inches long at the back of the left ear, a penetrating wound two inches long on the left side of the neck, a slight wound about the third of an inch long on the left side of Adam’s apple, on the right side of the same, lower down, an incised wound three-quarters of an inch long, a penetrating wound two inches long about an inch and a-half above the middle of the left collar boue, dividing portion of the muscles and the external jugular vein ; also at the root of the neck a stab an inch long, direction downwards and to the right slightly, two or three inches deep, severing the wind pipe half through ; there was a deep stab an inch and a quarter in extent and 3J or 4in. deep, cutting through the bony part close to the third rib near the cartilage; (this wound penetrated the right lun" about Three inches below the left nipple, there was a wound an inch long below the pectoral muscle ■ another about an inch long between the folds of the armpit, penetrating the chest between the fifth and sixth ribs. There was another wound from the back but lower down ; there were two stabs on the inside of the arm near the armpit. On the outer side of the left arm there was an incised penetrating wound three inches long, which partly divided the biceps muscle ; also two incised penetrating wounds on the outer and back part of the left arm. There was an incised wound on the left thumb, and on the palm and surface of the middle bones of the little and ring finger. There was a large amount of blood effused in the cheat, especially on the right side; the wind-pipe and bronchial tubes were choked with blood. The other organs of the body were healthy. Two of the wounds would cause immediate death, and a third in the throat less quickly. Did not think the wounds could have been self-inflicted. They might have been caused by a sharp knife. The knife produced (Ex. E.) could have inflicted the wounds. Took from between the forefinger and thumb of the right hand of the deceased James Gifford one hair, also one hair on fore-finger of the right hand, and one from point of thumb on right hand. Gave them to Sergeant O’Grady. Could not tell what color they were except that they were dark. Examined accused in the lock-up at Dunganville on same day (7th). Noticed abrasions of the skin scabbed over under the left eye; also a slight abrasion on the left side of the nose, and on the under part of the right side of the nose. There was a slight abrasion on the back of the right wrist, also inside of hand; and back of the knuckles of the ring finger, and back of bone of ring finger of the same hand; and a bruise on the upper and back part of the same arm. These abrasions might have been made by a finger nail. There was no appearance of the marks of a man’s hand, only the scratches. Examined clothes and several of the incisions in the cloth—coat, flannel, and waistcoat— corresponded with the wounds on the body. (Not cross-examined). Dr. Acheson said he examined accused on the 9th. His attention was directed by Dr. Morice to certain marks ou accused’s left cheek, about the eye. There were four scabbed abrasions, and distinct from each other. Accused passed a remark that they were caused by a fall in the bush. Remarked that it was very much like the application of five fingers. It was very like the result of one man grasping at another. (Not cross-examined). The prisoner was cautioned in the usual manner, and in reply to the Bench stated that he was innocent of the charge, and would reserve his defence. 11 is? Worship then committed accused for trial at the next of the Supreme Court of Hokitika, j