THE AUCKLAND MURDER CHARGE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 1026, 5 August 1911, Page 3

THE AUCKLAND MURDER CHARGE.

MRS O’SHAUGHNESSY OOMMITED FOR TRIAL. Auckland August 4. The trial of Martha Jane O’Shaughuessy for the murder, on or about June 14th, of Elsie Holland was continued at the Police Court to-day. The principal evidence was given by Alfred Edward Williams, assistant barman at the Waverley Hotel, who said that in the evening, about half-past 8 o’clock, he met a friend, Miss McDowell, and they went to O’Shaughnessy’s. They arrived there between a quarter to 9 and 9 o’clock. They entered through the back door and went to the back bedroom. He then heard a noise like a moaning noise, which appeared to come from the tront of the house, seemingly inside. The moaning continued, and presently he heard someone say, “She's dead.’’ examination by counsel. Mr Singer: Did you tell the detectives what you’ve told today ? Witness : No. Did you tell them what you told at the inquest ? Some of it. Is some ot what you said at the inquest untrue? Yes. How many statements have you made to the police ? About two. About two ? The last one I added a bit more on to. When was that ? About a fortnight ago. A witness’s reticence. In cross-examination by Mr Mays, witness said he was never threatened by the police. He withheld the w.iole of his knowledge from the detectives on the first occasion because he did not know what to say. He was afraid ot exposing Miss McDowell, the lady who accompanied him to the house

Accused, who reserved her defence, was committed for trial. The charge against Mrs Jane Burns Hartley, Mrs Mary Hassell, and James Edward O’Shaughnessy have been reduced to that of being accessories alter the fact.