A SERIOUS CHARGE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1543, 17 August 1886, Page 3

A SERIOUS CHARGE.

ALLEGED ATTEMPTED POISONING

We take the following account from the limaru evening paper

Timaru was thrown into a state of great f-xcitement this (Monday) morning by a report that Mr Thomas Hall had attempted the murder of his wife by the administraton of poison, It was also stated .VLss Margaret Houston, who was a “ companion ” of Mrs Hall, and who has h en atlending the latter during her illness, had been arrested as an accomplice iu the alleged crime. Mr Hall has been so tone known in South Canterbury, where his family have taken so prominent .. place for many years, that, the report was not generally believed, but it unfortunately proved to be only too true. The arrests were' made at 10.30 p.m. on Sunday, on the information of Dr MaVintyre, and as the District Court was sifting to-day, it was decided to b-ing the case before the Resident Magistrate at one o’clock. It need scarcely be said that the event has created a profound impression iu Timaru, where it has formed the principal topic f r conversation during the day. “At one o’clock, the Court was crowded by people anxious to hear the case. The Resident Magistrate took his seat on the Bench punctually to time and Thomas Hall and Margaret Graham Houston were brought forward. Both appeared to feel acutely the position in which they were placed. The charge was that they had attempted the murder of Catherine Hall by the administration of poison, to wit antimony, on or about the 15th of August. “Mr While, ns Crown Solictor, appeared to prosecute, and Mr Perry defended.

“ Mr White said that he had only been instructed at between one and two o’clock tin's (Monday) morning and consequently he was not in a position to bring forwaid any evidence. He would ask that the accused be remanded to that day week.

“ Mr Perry said that under the circumstances he could not object to the remand, as he himself had ooly recently been instructed in the case. It was absolutely necessary, however, in order that justice should be done to hie clients, that bail should be allowed. The granting of bail was entirely .within the discretion of the Court, and although the charge was a serious one, there was no evidence to show that it was justified. It was absolutely essential that he (counsel), should have the fullest opportunity to consult his clients, which he would not be able to do if they were incarcerated. “Mr White said he was sorry to have to oppose fhe application,'but he was instructed that if it were granted there might be a miscarriage of justice. The charge against the prisoners was one of the heaviest in the calendar under murder, and Mr Brohara would be ready to go into the box and state that in his opinion it would not be safe to admit the accused to bail.

“ Mr Perry contended that no reason had been shown against his application, as Mr Broham could only give his opinion, which was of no more value than other people's. If bail were allowed lha accused would still bo practically under the eyes of the police. He would not say anything about the evidence, but it would be a great hardship to tho lady and gentleman against whom this serious charge was laid, if they were not allowed every possible facility for preparing their defence. He confidently asserted that his learned fiiend had not marie out any case, and there was not the slightest reason to think that either of the accused meant to run away from justice. He admitted that tho charge was a serious one perse, but something more was needed to justify bail not being allowed. “ Tlie Magistrate said (hat he would he extremely sorry to do anything that would prevent the accused receiving justice, hut at the same time the charge was a most serious one. Indeed, in the other colonies it was a capital offence, and although it was net so in New Zealand he could not, under the circumstances, take upon himself the responsibility of allowing hail. They could go to the Supreme Court if they wished, but he would not himself take the responsibility, Tlie accused would be remanded for a week. “Mr White having stated that the prosecution would not be prepared to go on wi'h the case before, the accused were remanded to Monday next, and were removed in custody.”

The news of the arrest* created much excitement in this district, and was at first disbelieved, but unfortunately it proved to be correct.