THE JUDGE'S CHARGE. (BY TELEGRAPH-PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Christchurch, Friday.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2224, 9 October 1886, Page 2

THE JUDGE'S CHARGE. (BY TELEGRAPH -PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Christchurch, Friday.

The Timaru case began at the Supicme Court this morning. The comt was ciowdod, mid a number of persons assembled outside to see the prisoners alighting from the van. Mr Justice Johnson, in charging the (.i-rand Jury, they need only examine such witnesses as were necessaiy for establishing a prima f.icio case. The form of indictment would piobably be for administering antimony with tho intention of killingandmurdmngthe wife of Hall. After leviewing the evidence relating to Hall, the judge pointed out the existence of a motive on his part for wishing his wife's death, as he would receive the benefit of her life insurance, and that his circumstances wero much embarrassed. The judge showed that to render a man guilty of attempted poisoning it was sufficient for htm to take any steps by which it could be rendered ceitain or probable that the person whom he wished to poison would take it. Hull had every opportunity of admini&teiing the poison to his wife, and had purchased antimony, a poison which was found m the unno and vomit from Mrs Hall. The caseagaiust Miss Houston rested on the f.ict that she was on very familiar terms with Hall, and that she had ample opportunity of administering poison to Mia Mull, and on the fact of her endeavouring to assist Hull to destroy a certain phial when arrested. There was no evidence of distinct motive on her pait, nor of any promise of Hall to marry her after his wife's death. Theiu \\eie tw«,!ve charges of forgery against Hall, but there was. no necessity to comment on them. The judge's charge lasted about an hour. He made no refeuuice to (.'.ipt.iin C.wu'-> death, or the evhnm.ition of his body. It has been definitely decided that Mrs Hall shall not give evidence. Tme bills were found against Hall in all the cases of forgery. After nn hour and a-half's retiiemont, the

Gr.ind Jury found a true bill against H.dl and lI Us Houston for administering poison. The case will be heard at 1L a. in on Monday.