THE DUBLIN RISING.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 June 1916, Page 4

THE DUBLIN RISING.

SHOOTING OP SKEFFINGTON ASTOUNDING EVIDENCE. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Received June 7, 1.40 p.m. ~ London, June fl. At the court-martial of Captain Bowen Coltliurst, charged witli the murder of Skeffington in connection with the Dublin rising, Messrs. Dickson and -Mclntyre, prosecuting, said in view of the evidence they demanded a verdict of murder. Accused's battalion, the Irish Rifles, were stationed; at the Portobello Barracks. Three men were brought in on the evening of the 25th. Next morning Colthurst remarked: "I am taking the three persons out of the guard room and am going to shoot them." The guard room orderly reported to the adjutant general, who sent a message to Colthurst. The men, however, were taken in the yard and placed twelve feet from the wall. Colthurst formed a firing party of seven soldiers and ordered them to fire. At this Mrs. Skeffington, who was present in court, broke down, and accused hung his head and turned away. The prosecution continued that Colthurst later explained that he wished to prevent escape or rescue of the three men. Lieid Dobbin, of the Irish Rifles, gave evident that he heard firing and went to the yard and found three men on the ground. He noticed a movement in Skeffington's body and sent a message to accused. The reply came back: ''Shoot again." Thereat there was a sensation in court. Women shrieked, notably Mrs. Skeffington. Accused hid his face. Lieut. Dobliin added that accused seemed very excited. Major Roxburgh stated that Colthurst said: ''Shoot the prisoners.'' He also admitted that he expected to get into trouble, possibly be hanged for it.