TRIAL FOR WIFE MURDER.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2505, 31 March 1881, Page 2

TRIAL FOR WIFE MURDER.

[By Telegraph.]

Hokitika, March 30. At the Supreme Court Criminal Sessions yesterday David Hutchison was charged with the murder of his wife Margaret Hutchison on the night of November 20, 1880. Accused was defended by Mr Purkiss, Messrs South and McGuinness prosecuting for the Crown. The evidence of the principal witness showed that on the night of the alleged murder the hut occupied by Hutchison and his family was burnt, his wife and baby, aged four months, being burnt to death. One witness deposed to hearing screams from the prisoner s house, also a noise of thuds, and heard the deceased say, “ Dayy, Davy, what are you going to do ?” This was about midnight, and by 3 a.m. the house was burnt. The case was resumed at 10 o’clock to-day, and further evidence was adduced shewing that the prisoner had saved a gun and a bag of provisions from the burning house, and that be had hold of his wife’s leg, but did not save her. The Judge summed up in favor of the prisoner. The jury retired at half-past seven, and were locked up at ten without agreeing. The Court adjourned till ten to-morrow morning. THIS DAY. David Hutchison was acquitted of murder at 1 a.m., after a retirement of six hours. A nolle yrosequi was entered in the second indictment, and the prisoner was discharged.