THE MURDER CASE

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 106, 7 January 1915, Page 4

THE MURDER CASE

Arthur Rctterman was charged with the will ul murder at Ruahlne on De■ember 2S, rf Joseph McCann, his vlfo Lucy, and child, Mr. C. Hutton, Crown Prosecutor, conducted the case for the Crown. Rotterman was not represented by counsel. When the charges were read Rotterman fearlessly locked towards Constable Essen, who read the charges. The first wSt tie-, a was Walter Kelly, smi icyed at the lighthouse, near Tera- ■ hiti. He said accused arrived on horseback on Tuesday, the 29th of December, and asked for work. Wittoss directed him to the manager of the sheep-station. Rotterman returned ;n the 31st December. He got accommodation for’him that night. Rotterman said he had sold his horse. Next da y newspapers arrived. Witness handed RoHerman one. Accused said, ■Have yen read the account of a murder at Roahine?" Witness said he hadn't come to that. yet. Rotterman hen read the account aloud from the pa per. witness had given him, but omitted all reference to the suspected person. Being once on the Hinemoa witness knew Rotterman when he worked on the Hinemoa. Wtiness then stated he was going f ov the mail. Rotterman asked witness not to tell Die police he was there. Rotterman previously asked if there was any chance of getting a boat to go to Pelorcus Sounds. Witness suggested getting the Nelson boat at the wharf, Rotterman said the wharf was lined with detectives, who were arresting all Germans. Witness left the camp and informed the police that Rotterman; was there. Evidence on the same lines as given at the inquest yesterday was given by Herbert Sweet, Constable. Essoir Albert Patchett, and J. Badland. The Court was again crowded and the heat was oppressive and trying to those who were compelled to remain within the precincts of the Courthouse. Rotterman still adopts a composed, fearless-looking attitude. He was guarded on each side by police. Ho seemed content to evade the public gaze by constantly keeping his eyes on witnesses, but he did not avail himself of the opportunity to cross-exam-'s e. , j (Left Sitting.) \