THE SEVERED HAND CASE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1491, 10 April 1886, Page 3

THE SEVERED HAND CASE.

At the Supreme Court, Caristchurch, on Thursday, before His Honor Mr Justice Johnston, Arthur Robert Bamage Howard, Jane Ann Howard, alias Jane Ann Einnsar, Elisha Godfrey, and Frederick Godfrey, where indicted for having knowingly, fraudulently, and unlawfully endeavored, by subtle means and devices, to obtain a large eum of money from the Mutual Life Association of Australasia, by falsely ptetending that the ■aid Arthur Robert Ramage Howard had been drowned on the 10th of October, 1885, whereas in troth and in fact the Mid Arthur Robert Ramage Howard was not drowned, as the prisoners well knew. The same prisoners were indicted on two other separate indictments, for having endeavored to cheat the New Zealand Government Insurance Association and the Accident Association. There was also a second count, charging the prisoner* with attempting to defraud. The prisoners pleaded Not Guilty. The case created an immense amount of interest and the Court was crowded, many ladies —some of whom took their knittingbeing ameng those present. Mr Stringer appeared for Mrs Howard, Mr Joynt for Haward, Mr Holmes for the Godfreyp. Mr George Harpe and Mr Martin appeared to prosecute on behalf of the Crown. Some little discussion took place as to whether Icspector Pende' should be reckoned among the other witnesses and leave the Court. Mr Joynt making the request. 1 - It was afterwards withdrawn. Mr Harpertn opening the case stated that the'prisoner was insured for a total sum of £2400, the interest in which waß transferred to his so»called wife. The learned counsel then vent on to detail the circumstaoces of Howard's disappearance, and the claim made by Mrs Howard for the insurance money on j October 27th. He also gave a resume* of the principal features on the case, and the evidence the prosecution intended to call. Twenty witnesses w«re examined but their evidence was not of. much importance;

At the commencement of the case some argument took place on the subject of whether the female prisoner was Howard's wife or not, and the prisoner's counsel (Mr Joynt) was asked to call evidenoe on the subject. Ultimately the matter waa allowed to staud in abeyaoce, and the taking of the evidence was proproceeded with. George Gill, of the Mutual Life Insurance Association of Australasia preyed to the policy of £IOOO in. his office being transferred to Mrs Jane Ann Howard, maiden name Jane Finnear, Bnd stated that the policy was in force till let Janusry last. The case occupied the Court all yes-

erday, and will be resumed this morning. "An attempt will be made to finish it today, and the Court will sit till midnight if necessary.