THE WESTPORT MURDER.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3194, 20 May 1909, Page 5

THE WESTPORT MURDER.

By Telegraph—Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, May 19. The Westport murder trial was continued. . The case for the defence closed with the completion of the evidence of Constable Buttar, who in substance corroborated the previous witnesses as to what occurred at Cockery's Hotel when Hallinen illustrated how he had assaulted someone the previous eyening. Crossexamined, witness stated that he enquired at the Empire Hotel as to" Hallinen's statement. He had been there on the night oi the'murder, but he did not enquire about the theatre. Rebutting evidence was called by the Crown.'

Hallinen, in his evidence, described the movements of himself, Andersen and Iladkonson on the 'night of the murder, showing that at the time the murder was supposed to have occurred, the three were at the theatre. His evidence was supported by that of /Hadkonson, -Margaret Shaw, Alfred Webber, Bill Karooz, Edward Bc-swick, Ivy p earce, Lilly Pearce, Henry Christensen Cyril Thompson and Petar R.ibb, all of whom were subjected to cl f se cross examination by Mr Hanlon, but their testimony was unshaken, though several admitted that the times given by them wera fixed by guessing. Peter Robb verified Hallir:eh's statement regarding his fight with a steward of the Talune on the night of the murder. Mr Hanlon, in reply .to His j Honor, said that there was no furI ther evidence, I The case was closed, and counsel I will address the Court to-morrow.