ELSIE HOLLAND'S DEATH

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 36, 5 August 1911, Page 5

ELSIE HOLLAND'S DEATH

THE TRIAL OF JANE O'SHAUGHNESSY. By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. The trial of Martha Jane O'Shaughnessy for the murder, on or about June 14, of Elsie Alexander Holland, was continued at the Police Court to-day. The principal evidence was given by Alfred Edward Williams, assistant barman at Waverley Hotel, who said that on the evening, at about half-past eight, he met a friend, Miss McDowell, and they went to O'Shaughnessy's. They arrived there between a quarter to nine and nine o'clock. They entered through the back door, and went to the back bedroom. He then heard a noise like someone moaning, which appeared to come from the front of the house, seemingly inside. The moaning continued, and presently he heard someone say: "She's dead." Mr. Singer: Did you tell the detectives what you've told to-day?— No. Did you tell them what you. told at the inquest?— Some of it. Is some of what you said at the inquest untrue?— Yes. How many statements have you made to the police?— About two. About two?— The last one I added a bit more to. When was that?— About a fortnight ago. In re-examination by Mr. Mays, witness said ho was never threatened by the police. He withheld the whole of his knowledge from the detectives on the first occasion because he did not know what to say. He was afraid of exposing Miss McDowell, the lady-'who accompanied him to the house. Accused, who reserved her defence, was committed for trial. The charges against Mrs. Jane Burns Hartley, Mrs. Mary Hassell, and Jas. Edward O'Shaughnessy have been re-

duced to that of being accessories after the fact.