THE WAITARA TRAGEDY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9400, 22 March 1909, Page 5

THE WAITARA TRAGEDY.

DR. GOODE ACQUITTED. TO BE DETAINED AS A LDNATIO. Per Press Association. New Plymouth, Marrcb 20. In reply to His Honor, Dr. King said he was absolutely satisfied that when Goode shot Mrs "Klenner he did not possess the power of forming his own rational judgment unbiased by :: mental diseases as to the true nature and quality of his act. The Grown Prosecutor was proceeding to call Dr. Hassell, of Porirna, when His Honor asked him if he felt justified in proceeding further, Mr Weston said he had been wondering in the morning whether it was worth while proceeding. His Honor then put to the jury two questions : (1) Whether accused was a lunatic at the time of committing the crime’ 1 ’ (2) Whetner if they acquitted accused such acquittal was on the grounds that he was a lunatic. After seven, minutes’ retirement the jury replied to both questions in the affirmative, but wished to be sure that such verdict would ensure the detention of the prisoner. The judge replied fhat it would. The Crown Prosecutor then formally asked for an order of detention, which nis Honor ordered, also stating that the conduct of the police had been just what it should be throughout.