THE HALL-HOUSTON CASE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1497, 9 October 1886, Page 2

THE HALL-HOUSTON CASE.

•Thomas Hall and' 'Margaret'n.jG. Houston were again taken to Ghnstchnrch from Timaru on Thursday afternoon. In the same train, the .express, were upwards of 70 witnesses, who are to give evidence at the trial. A large number of people assembled at the Supreme Court, Christchurch, yesterday morning, for the purpose of hearing the Grand Jury charged. The witnesses, numbering 64, were also in attendance, and the scene was unusually animated. The Judge, after , briefly recapitulating the circumstances of two minor cases on the list, passed on to the attempted poisoning. His Honor recapicnlated the circomstariheS very concisely and clearly, and dwelt with . extreme .care upon the evidence as to motive and opportunity . in the oaM of .the male prisoner, and stated; all^the circumstances brought 1 to light which appeared to show the eXistehcei of l a scheme to destroy life. Referring to the female prisoner, the Judge, said there was evidence indicating ;a guilty knowledge. There was nodue familiarity with a man now charged with a very grave offence, and there was extraordinary conduct both at and after the arrest. The Judge’s reference to the forgery cases was very brief. vT'ha charge occupied nearly one hour, 1 and at 11,30 the Grand Jnry, retired, and returned a' true Bill against Hal|, and Houstßn for attempted poisoning/