SENDING THREATENING LETTERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 February 1919, Page 5

SENDING THREATENING LETTERS.

A QUESTION OF BAIL.. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Feb. 1jA case surrounded by many peculia. circumstances was mentioned in the .Magistrate's Court to-day, when Richard William Martin, a well-known resident of Wellington, was charged with sending a letter threatening to kill Alexander Collins. Mr Willis, who appeared for the. dofence, said he understood that the police would agree to a remand- In that eas* he would apply for bail for Martin, who iiad been a resident in Wellington folio years, and during the last nine years had held a responsible position with the linn of Robert Martin, Ltd. Counsel asked his worship to make the bail as low as possible. There were reasons for that application quite apart from the allegations made a;., \inst accused "I am given to understand," said Mr Willis, ''that Martin and Collins are on the very best of terms and that they esteem each other mutually. There is no possible chance of any danger to Collins if Martin is allowed his liberty. I think it will be seen that there has been some mistake." Detective Sergeant Cox stated: 'lftis is a very serious charge, and it is a question whether any bail at all should he allowed. In any case I ask tiiat the bail should b«> made substantial." Collins had received a scries of threatening letters, which had suggested that Borne day bis body would be found on the Brooklyn heights. The last letter received wa? in the form of a final note in which Collins was warned to "expect something on the 13th." On the 13th inst. Collins received through post a box of chocolate«, and the contents were saturated with nitric acid. A bottle containing nitric acid had been found In accused's officeMr Willis told the Court that the letters were rnsigned and were not In in the handwriting of accused His Worship: Is there any doubt as to accused's mental condition? Detective Sergt. Cox: I cannot say. Accused agreed to keen away from Collins, and on that condition bail was fixed at £IOO and the case adjourned until next Friday.