TRIAL OF THE MAUNGATAPU MURDERERS.

West Coast Times, Issue 308, 18 September 1866, Page 2

TRIAL OF THE MAUNGATAPU MURDERERS.

[By Inter-Provincial Telegraph.] (from the press.) Nelson, Wednesday, 1.30 p.m. The trial of the Mauugatapu murderers commenced to-day. The case of Llathieu was taken first, and a true bill found. The prisoners pleaded Not Guilty, Burgess stating his guilty, but pleading for the sake oi form.- A true bill was found against all four prisoners for the murder of Battle. The trial is expected to last several days. Burgess and Levy, who are both undefended by counsel, crossexamined the witnesses at great length. Nothing new is as yet elicited. Thursday, 6.30 p.m. The Court resumed sittings at nine a.m. to-day. Sullivan was in the witness box from a quarter-past nine till dusk. Mr Pitt demurred to taking his evidence, he having pleaded guilty to another criminal indictment. . The Judge overruled the objection. f Evidence materially the same as abre'aSy given. About four p.m. Burgess commenced to cross-examine Sullivan*, with much virulence, insinuating a participa tibn in the murders of Dobson and Battle, and several robberies. Sullivan answered very coolly and on the whole successfully. Burgess concluded at dusk. Cross-exami-nation to be continued to-morrow by Kelly, and Mr Pitt on behalf of Levy.