THE WELLINGTON MURDER.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 811, 8 March 1910, Page 2

THE WELLINGTON MURDER.

CORKHIEE BEFORE THE COURT.

An inquest was held in Wellington on Saturday on the death of C. D. Smith, the draper’s assistant who was shot by Corkhill, bailiff.

After evidence had been heard, the Coroner (Mr W. R. Haselden, S.M.) said the jury could find which verdict it pleased, but nothing had been laid before them to lessen the offence of whfch the person who shot deceased was guilty under the law. In his opinion, no other verdict could be given than that the deceased was wilfully murdered by Corkhill. As far as the jury was concerned, no result would follow from the v finding of such a verdict, as further proceedings would be taken iu the Magistrate’s Court. The jury, after a brief retirement, found that deceased met his death through a bullet wound inflicted by Robert Corkhill. The Coroner; What do you mean by that ? It could have been done absolutely innocently. The evidence is at this stage all for murder. A jury may reduce the charge later on. This is the way I shall write it: “That the deceased, Christopher Denis Smith, died on the 4th day of March, 1910, from a bullet wound inflicted by the said Robert Corkhill, and that the said Robert Corkhill did murder the said Christopher Denis Smith.” A Juryman: We object to the word “murder.” We think he shot the deceased in self-defence.

The Coroner: If that is your verdict I am prepared to accept it. “No,” remarked another juryman, “we do not think it was in self-defence. ’ ’

The Coroner: You are responsible men, called upon to perform a solemn duty. The ultimate re- , sponsibility does not rest with you, but even supposing it did, you have to deal with it like men, and not try to halve things. He added that, in regard to the word “murder,” under the Criminal Code, which was now incorporated in the Consolidated Statutes, the term was “did feloniously kill.” The jury then accepted the terms of the verdict as read out by the coroner.

Accused Corkhill appeared before Mr W. G. Riddell, S.M., later, and was formerly charged with the murder of C, D. Smith. Mr T. M. Wilford appeared for accused.

Inspector Ellison, representing the police, asked for a remand till Wednesday next, as accused’s presence would be required at the inquest. A further remand was very probable.