THE LATE FIRE IN DUNEDIN.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5786, 15 October 1879, Page 2

THE LATE FIRE IN DUNEDIN.

TRIAL OP WATERS POR MURDER, (PEK PRESS AGENCT.) Dunedin, Tuesday. The trial of Waters for the murder of Robert Wilson at the Octagon was continued to-day. At 5 p.m. the case for the Crown had closed. The witnesses examined gave substantially the same evidence as they gave at the police investigation. “Soottie” denied strenuously that he had ever been in gaol, but afterwards admitted that he had received nine months’ imprisonment in England for setting fire to a stack. He wanted to make a “ statement,’ but his Honor ordered him out of Court. Hall, the actor, was severely cross-examined to show his antecedents. At the close of the prosecution, Mr. Denniston (prisoner’s counsel) submitted that there was no case to go to a jury, but his Honor decided against it. An adjournment was made till seven o’clock, when Mr. Denniston addressed the jury for the defence. It is believed that no witnesses will be called for the defence. The Judge will sumup to-night. The foreman of the jury suggested on Monday night that the jurors should be allowed to visit the theatre, but the Judge declined to allow them. Later. Ritchie, alias “ Scottie,” was submitted to a severe cross-examination. He stated that he kept back some important facts about the kerosene tins he used for the purpose of “ getting properly ” at the accused's counsel at the coroner's inquiry. He might have said, “ Damn the fellow ; I will hang him.” A lot of people had been at him, to provoke him into saying these things. After several times contradicting himself the following dialogue ensued :—Mr. Denniston ; Were you ever in gaol ? Ritchie : Never in my life. Mr. Denniston : Will you swear that I —Yes, I will. Mr. Denniston : Will yon swear you were never In gaol at Home i —No, I never was,

Mr. Denniston : Will y--u swe»r you Writ never in gaol in Lumbarton ? Remember you are liable for perjury, so he careful. Now, were you ever in gaol in Dumbarton ?—Of course I was, (Sensation .1 Mr. Denniston : Were you in gaol for tire-raising?—X was; but that wants explaining. Mr. Denniston ; People here know ali about that : were you in gaol for 18 months I —l don’t denv I was in gaol for setting fire to some stacks. The Crown Prosecutor : Did you do it ’ —l did not. The Crown Prosecutor : you were fabely charged then ?—I was. Mr. DenoUton : S 'the Judge and 12 jurymen took an erroneous view of your case? Witness : I have a statement to make. Judge : We don't want your statement ; leave the Court. Latest. At 12.30 o’clock the jury returned into Court, and the foreman announced that they had found the prisoner not guilty.