PROVINCIAL NEWS

Kumara Times, Issue 3100, 9 October 1886, Page 2

PROVINCIAL NEWS

[UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION. 1 Wellington, October 7. The Police authorities hare received a cablegram from Queensland stating that a man has been arrested there who is supposed to Vie Penn, the accomplice of Caffrey in the Great Barrier murder. Inquiries are asked by the Queensland police whether Penn had a scar over his eyes, and it is understood that he had a mark over the left eye. No mention is made of the girl Graham, who accompanied the men in the Sovereign of the Seas. William Elvin, fruiterer, of Cuba street, committed suicide this morning by hanging himsolf. Deceased left a letter stating that he intended to commit suicide, and that ho could uot face poverty. Elvin leaves a wife and four children. Fears of losses appear to have unhinged his mind. October 8. At the inquest on the body of Wra. Elvin, who committed suicide by - n g yesterday, evidence was given that a man named Burrows, who was locking at Elvin’e, saw him (Elvin) immediately after hanging himself, but re-

fused to cut him down until the police arrived. Mrs Elvin said she called Burrows, who went into a shed, and after a long absence returned and said its a case of pickles. Billy’s done r ay .7» l,h m“ Wlf * He llaS himself. Witness asked him to cut her husband down, but he would not saying he dare not touch him till the police saw him. Burrows then went away. Witness went out and saw her husband kicking, and went for Mr Raven, who out him down. It was three-quarters of an hour after she told Burrows to cut her husband down (ill Mr Raven came and cut the rope, Iliad the body been cut down when first seen it is probable the man would have lived. The Coroner said “This is the most dreadful thing I ever heard of, and it is most extraordinaiy that people will go on in that stupid way of seeing (heir fellows in a position of danger, and not attempt to save them till the police are sent for." The jury I etui tied a Verdict of 11 temporary insanity,” and passed a vote of censure on Burrows. A man named Phipps, cook on board a biig met with a serious accident this morning. He was working at the hand winch while loading tallow, when the man on the second handle missed his hold. The barrel of the winch flew round and the handle struck Phipps on the forehead, smashing it in, and the brain protruded. He is not expected to lecover. Christchurch, October 7, To-day Jonathan Roberts, formerly a bank clerk, was committed for trial at the present criminal seesions, charged with forging a cheque for £76 17s 6d. This makes the third case of forgery which has been committed to the Supreme Court since it has been in session. THE TIMARU POISONING CASE£”SI£ smT,s OHARGE Christchurch, October 8. Ihe Timaru case began in the Supreme Court this morning. The court was crowded, and a number of persons assembled outside to see the prisoners alighting from the van. Mr Justice Johnston in charging the grand ju.iy said they need only examine such witnesses as were necessary for establishing a pritna fame case. The form of the indictment would probably be for administering antimony with the in ten I ion of killing and murderin'* the wife of Hall. After reviewing the evidence relating to Hall, the Judge pointed out the existence of a motive on his part for wishing his wife’s death, as he would receive the benefit of her life insurance, and that his circumstances were much embarassed. The Judge showed that to render him guilty of attempted poisoning it was sufficient for him (Hall) to take any steps by which it would be. rendered certain or or probable that the persons whom he wished to poison would take it. Hall had every opportunity of administering the poison to his wife, aud had purchased antimony, the poison which was found in the urine and the vomit from Mrs Hall. The case against Miss Houston rested on the fact that she was on very familiar terms with Hall, and that she had ample opportunity of administering poison to Mrs Hal], and the fact of her endeavoring to assist Hall to destroy a certain phial when arrested. There was no evidence of distinct motive on her part, nor of any promise of Hall to in airy her after his wife’s death. There were 12 charges of forrgery against Hall, but there was no necessity to comment on them. The Judge’s charge lasted about an hour. He made no refereuce to Captain Cain’s death or the exhumation of his body. He definitely decided that Mrs Half shall not give evidence. After an hour and a half’s retirement the Grand Jury found true bills against Hail and Miss Houston for administering poison. The case will be heard at II a.m. on Monday.