The Timaru Poisoning Case.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VIII, Issue 2388, 1 September 1886, Page 2

The Timaru Poisoning Case.

The Hall Houston attempted 'wife murder case was resumed yesterday morning. Detective Kirby gave evidence as to the finding of the book " Taylor on Poisons" in' the prisoner Hall's bedroom. "T Hall, 1882," was written on the front leaf.

Edmund Cotter said: I am gaoler at Timaru gaol. The accused was brought to tho gaol on the 16th instand. On the Tuesday or Wednesday the female accused asked for writing materials lor the purpose of writing to Mrs Thomas Hall. A letter was brought into my office from Miss Houston by the matron, my wife. The letter was addressed to Mrs T. Hall, Woodlands. Inside the lotter was another written on the back of the onvelope of a telegram. I read tho onclosure, and aftorwards destroyed it. I recollect the' major portion of the contents as I read it a' h'alfdozon times ov more. It bcejan— u Dear Tommy Dqdd, I should like very much to see you. I have not asked them, as it is contrary tp rules, although they are very kind; kut they must do their duty; What dreadful weather. If it does not clear up we shall another Ark. I have been writing to Kitty this afternoon." The letter concluded "Ever yours Me orums." On the outside was writton '"MrT.Hall."

Arthur Ormsly,-solicitor, gave particulars of preparing a will by instructions of the male prisoner, leaving everything real and personal to him. Peter William Hutton said: The book produced on the action of medicines by Dr Headladd lam acquainted with. Hall jcameinto that corner of my shop in which medical books are kept; and he mentioned antimony as.what he wanted information of among others. I took this book down, looking at the contents, I referred to the pages on that subject. The leaves not being cut, I held the book open,saying, "Hero Mr Hall is what you are inquiring for." With my permission he cut tho leaves, and afterwards bought the book. Subsequently, about a month after, Hall saw me again about a medical book, and said he ivould like very much if I would let him have a look at ' Taylor on Poisons,' making a remark that ho would bring it over again, I lent the book and he brought it back and reborrowed it. Being returned the seco«d time I said, you had better buy it, Mr Hall, It has been a long time in stock, and I will let you have it cheap. I offered it to him for 16s 6d, and he took it at that price. Before wing out of the shop he put the book down on the glass case, took a pencil out of his pocket, and wrote at the beginning and end of the book, He wrote on ihe brown cover. I identify book produced as the one I sold Ball, and tho one he previously burrowed. Before leaving the shop he made inquiries as to the other books on poisons, which I said I would obtain for him if requited. The writing in the book is juist where I should expect it to bo. There is no entry in my hook of the sale of the book, as it was a cash purchase. On Saturday, May 9, ho purchased "The action of Medicine,"

'Evidence was given of tho purchase ol kerosene.

The books of the Imperial Insurance Company of which Hall was agent were produced. There were two entries. The first was over the furniture and effects for £6OO in a building situated at Woodlands North-street Timaru. The other entry was for insuring a house at Woodlands for £SOO, and an outhouse and dairy for £75. '

Maud Hamersley gave evidence that sho had a cup of tea at Mrs Hall's/ Witness was told not to take that cup of tea as it was for Mrs Hall. She drank it, howover, but was sick and ill from the effects of it afterwards.

Tho Court adjourned till next day,