The Whittaker Wright Case.

Manawatu Herald, 30 January 1904, Page 3

The Whittaker Wright Case.

SENSATIONAL*"REVELATIONS

EXPECTED.

Judge Bingham’s summing up was strongly adverse. The jury deliberated for an hour.

Judge Bingham in sentencing the .•accused, said he concurred with the verdict and declared that he was unable to conceive a worse case of the kind.

Whittaker Wright was much surprised at the sentence and remarked ; “ I can only I am innocent of any attempt, to deceive.” Amoved to the consultation noogu of the High Court, and while Smoking a cigar and talking to a friend, he declared that a great injustice had been done him. Wright suddenly collapsed, dying within half an hour, during which ho remained unconscious.

Throughout the trial his health was apparently good, excepting of bis complaining of insomnia. There are many reports as to the cause of his death, and one asserts that he poisoned himself . Startling revelations are expected At the inquest. Tabloids were found in his pockets, DIED FROM POISON. A post mortem showed that Wright died of cyanide poisoning. While the Judge was sentencing him, he was observed to keep his hand in his pocket where subsequently a phial was found containing capsules of this poison. After protesting his innocence, he was seen to brush his mouth with his handkerchief, and it is believed he then swallowed the capsules. A loaded revolver, full cocked, was found in his hip pocket.

He told a friend he was resolved never to serve a day of the sentence if convicted.