THE MAY HALLET CASE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3190, 15 May 1909, Page 5

THE MAY HALLET CASE.

STATEMENT BY PRISONER. By Telegraph—Press Association. WELLINGTON, May 14. Before the jury retired in Ih3 MayHallett case, the prison2r made the following statement: —Alter having in three places tried hard to earn an honest living, I arrived in Christchurch, where I tirat met Mr Clifford. He was introduced to me in Warner's Hotd. He seemed to like ie, and we met subsequently when he gave me £2O. He said he hoped I would s:e him if I came to Wellirgton, but he asked me not to say I had met him before. When I met him at his own house in Hobson street, and was introduced to him again, I concealed the fact that I had known him before. He called on me at the Grand Hotel. Before he left he told me he was going away for a few days, and if I was in want of money he would help me. I saw him on several occasions. He took me to the races, and introduced me to many people on the course. He took me round the course, and I lunched with him and others m the members' luncheon room. On the Trentharn railway station Mr Clifford introduced me to prominent racing officials as his foster daughter. We had a party of seven at dinner at the- Grand Hotel. That night I booked to. Christchurch with Mrs Denniston and Mr Clifford stated that he would be down on the Thursday following. I was in need of money for with entertainment to which I was treated, and the rush of people to call on me, I had no decent frocks for the occasion. Remembering Mr Clifford's promise I ordered goods at the D.1.C., and when they demanded the money from me I had to fall back on him for a loan. I went to his house for it, and was informed that he was at the Wellington Club. ' I drove there with Mrs Denniston, and got a gentleman fron Christchurch to bring Mr Clifford out to the hansom. I showed him the D.I.C. bill, and he said, placing his hand on my shoulder, "My little girl, £SO, or £IOO if you wish it.' 5 I thanked him, and said I would be glad of £SO. He toldjme to drive to the bank, and when he got the money he gave it to me. I never obtained the money through any untrue statements, and Mr Clifford knows very well what 1 say is true. I wrote telling him I would pay him back, as I have a large sum of money coming to me on June 2nd, when I will be 21 years old. This, my advocate,'Mr! Wilford, can prove. lam prepared to give Mr Cliffordjui order for his money, and I think, considering what he said to me has been very unkind to me. People who are unknown to me went bail for me when I was committed for trial, and had I felt I had done any wrong to Mr Clifford, I would not have faced } the trial, but I know, and he knows quite well, that he. should not have had me arrested. I believe he is sorry for it now. I never called myself Miss Campbell Bannerman to him, as he now admits."