MYSTERY DEEPENS.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 September 1921, Page 5

MYSTERY DEEPENS.

GREY LYNN MURDER.

BLOOD-STAINS ON CLOTHES, HOW WERE THEY CAUSED? By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. The inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of Francis Edward Jew, who was found murdered at Grey Lynn on July 17, was continued today. The cross-examination of Thomas Rowan McMahon was concluded, witness being subjected to a searching cross-examination. Asked as to his movements about ]0 o’clock on Saturday night, he could make no clear statement. “I can’t remember seeing anyone,” he said, “it makes no difference to me.”

The coroner: “'lt may make a lot of difference.” Asked if he was with Jew about that time, he replied, “Not that I know of.” The following questions were put to witness regarding the clothes he was wearing on the day. of Jew's death: — f SEARCHING QUESTIONS. The police got the clothes you wero wearing on July 16? —Yes. An overcoat, hat and suit of clothes ? —Yes. They were afterwards shown to you with part of both trouser pockets' cut out ? —Yes. I think they told you the analysis report was that there were blood marks on the lining of the pockets, and that it was human blood? —Yes. They also showed you other stains on part of the pockets not cut out? —Yes. I think they asked you to explain how the blood got on the pockets?--Yes. What did you say?—l told them it might have been caused by cuts on the back of my hands. I had worn those clothes to work at times. Was that the suit you used to go out at night and on Saturdays in?— Yes.

You have a working suit?—-Yes. Do you get your hands cut at work, and do you suggest the blood on these pockets came from those cuts? —I can’t say it was there the blood came from, but it must have been. I had that suit for four years.

That is your explanation?—lt might also have been done on some other Saturday niglit when I was out before. How could you get blood on both hands on a Saturday night?—l couldn’t say.

You wouldn’t expect it? —No. I never knew when I might get it on. You never noticed it there before? — No, never at any time. You didn’t know it was there at aty till the police told you? —That’s right. SEEN IN DREAMS.

Towards the close of to-day’s proceedings an individual at the back of the Court interrupted the proceedings by snapping his fingers in the approved schoolboy fashion, and on attracting the coroner’s attention said he would like to make a statement. He gave his name as Edward Portiere, describing himself as an artist and an authority on psycho analysis. He said he had signed' statements and information of what went on in the locality, and as it was a public inquiry he felt he should come forth. He had been carrying on independent investigations. Mr. Meredith (for the police) here said that he had a statement signed by Portiere. It was a lengthy document in which he referred to a series of dreams about an incident- connected with the murder, and as a result of which he made investigations, naming certain persons who he claimed to have seen in the dreams.

Witness proceeded to speak from the jibox. but the coroner said he did not want to hear about psycho analysis. He would be glad to listen if Portiere had any knowledge of actual facts.

After further discussion the coroner ordered the witness to stand down, and the inquest was adjourned till to-mor-row.