WAIKINO MURDER CASE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2694, 12 February 1924, Page 3

WAIKINO MURDER CASE.

HIGGINS ON TRIAL FOR HIS LIFE. HEART-RENDING INCIDENTS RELATED. Auckland, Last Nght. John Christopher Higgins appeared in the Supreme Court before Mr Justice Stringer and a jury, charged with the murder of two boys by shootiug, at the Waikino schoolhouse on October 19th. Accused, represented by Mr J. J. Sullivan, pleaded not guilty. Mr S. A. Meredith, Crown Prosecutor, in opening the case, told how little McLean pleaded in vain for lvis life. Women in the crowded Court wept, and occasionally sobs were beard as other heart-rending incidents were related. Evidence on the same lines as was given at the hearing at Paeroa on December 14th was heard. The schoolmaster, Robert Theodore Reid, in cross-examination, said on the day of the tragedy the accused was not in a normal frame of mind. He would say he was mad. There was a peculiar expression in his eyes. Re-examined, witness said that in the interview, the accused did not appear to be excited. Was In 1 speaking- under any stress of feeling? — No; he seemed to he fairly calm (if you can understand me) as if he had studied the matter out, just as he had said. Could he follow your argument; was there lack of intelligence'?— No. He gave you an offer to communicate with the police? —Yes. His Honour: When you sav he was mad, you mean in a general sense? —Yes. Tn discussing (lie. matter with you he appeared to have followed your statement and appreciated it as a rational man would? —Well, I could not say that. He did not appreciate it as a rational man would, or he might have taken some notice of it? —Yes. But he understood your argument? —Yes. And said he had made up his mind? —Yes. The ease was adjourned.