The Timaru Sensation.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VIII, Issue 3421, 9 October 1886, Page 2

The Timaru Sensation.

THE JUDGR'H CHARGE TO IHE

GRAND JURY.

MRS HALL NOT TO BE A

WITNESS,

The Timaru poisoning case began at the Supremo Court yesterday morning. The Court was crowded, and a number of persons assembled outside to see fcha prisoners alighting from the van. . Mr Justice Johnston, in charging the Grand Jury, said they only need examine such witnesses as were necessary for establishing a prima fade case. The form of indictment' would probably be for administering antimony with ititention of killing and murdering the wife of Hall; After reviewing the evidence relating to Hall, the Judgo pointed out the existence of a motive on his part for wishing his wife's death, as ho would receive the benefit of her lifo insurance, and that his circumstances ware much embarrased. Tho Judge showed that to render a man guilty of attempted poisoning it was sufficient for him to take any steps by which it would bo rendered certain or probable that the porsun whom ho wished to poison would take it. Hall had every opportunity of adininiatetinj poison to his wife, and had purchased antimony, a poison which was found in the urine and vomit from Mrs Hall, The case against Miss Houscon rested on the fact that alio was on very familiar terms with Hall, that sho had ample opportunity of administering poison to Mrs flail, and on the fact of her endeavoring to assist Hall to dostroy a cortain phial whon arrested. There was no evidence of distinct motive on her part, nor of any promise of Hall to marry her after his wifo s death. There were 12 charges ol forgery against Hall, but there was no necessity to comment on them. TheJudgo's charge lasted about an hour. Ho made no referonce to Captain Cain's death or the exhumation of his body. It has beon definitely decided that Mrs Hall shall not give ovidonce.

After an hour and a-half's retirement, tlio Grand Jury found a true bill against Thomas Hall and Miss Houston for administering poison. The case will be heard at 11 a.m. on Monday, Rt the Supreme Court.