The Waitara Murder.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 4389, 23 March 1909, Page 3

The Waitara Murder.

TRIAL OF DR. GOODE. PBISONEB PRONOUNCED INSANE. TO BE DETAINED DURING THE KING’S PLEASURE. New Plymouth, March 20. In reply to His Honor* Dr. King said he was absolutely satisfied that when he shot Mrs Kallener Goode did not possess the power of forming his own rational judgment unbiassed by mental disease as to the true nature and quality of his act. The Crown Prosecutor was proceeding to call Dr, Hassel of Porirua, when His Honor asked him if he felt justified in proceeding further. Mr Weston said he had been wondering dur ng the morning whether it was worth while pro* ceeding. i

His Honor then put to the jury two questions: (1) Whether accused was a lunatic at the time of committing the crime. (2) Whether if they acquitted accused such acquittal was on the ground that he was a lunatic.

After a minute’s retirement the jury replied in the affirmative, but wished to be sure that such verdict would ensure the detention of prisoner. The judge replied that it would.

The Crown Prosecutor then formally asked for an order of detention, Which His Honor ordered ; also stating that the conduct of the police had been just what it should be throughout;