CHARGE OF MURDER

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 383, 7 May 1910, Page 5

CHARGE OF MURDER

POWEUKA OX TRIAL. DEFENCE RESERVED. By Telegraph—Press Association. Palmerston North, Last Night. The hearing oi the murder charec against Joseph John Powelka in connection with the >hroting of Sergeant McGuire occupied Mr. Thompson, S.M., all yesterday. The Court was again crowded. Mr. !\ A. Loujiinan ( -own Prosecutor) co:idm-iul the\ase, ai ! Mr. Gifford .Moore appeared for JY Ika, Who reserved his defence.

The chief .witnesses were Ha; \\ ton and Ouartcrniain, w) !u were present during the shooting at Hampton's grounds, and Dr. Martin, who testilied to the bullet wounds. T!.eir stories were as recently published. A large number of other witnesses who have appeared in various eases repeated that portion of their evidence claimed to bear iiixm the shooting. The evidence dealt with the articles missing from various places, and alleged to be found in connection with Powelka, the latter's finger-prints, etc. The cap found on Hampton's lawn after the shooting was identified as taken from Farland's house on the previous night. The bullet found in MeGuire'a body was testified to \ Mr. Tis.iall, gun expert, of Wellington, as similar lo the unusual type of bullet found in Powelka's revolver. The kev missing from. Farland's back door was identified .by •witnesses, and is expected to have an important bearing on the case. The hearing will be continued to-morrow. As Powelka's defence was reserved, there was no cross-examination.