THE TRIAL OF DR WILKINS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2490, 4 December 1901, Page 14

THE TRIAL OF DR WILKINS.

AUCKLAND, November 26.

The third trial of Dr John Wilkins, on a charge of having, on or about May 17 last, committed manslaughter by killing Mary O'Dowd, was commenced to-day. The Crown Prosecutor contended ihat the evidence indicated that an illegal operation had been performed. The evidence was similar to that given in pievious trials. The prisoner, who conducted his own case, frequently made comments on the evidence of witnesses, ?nd was more than once reprimanded by the judge, whe on one occasion remarked, " You seem to ihmk you are privileged to insult the witness, insult me, and waste ..he time of the jury. I have seen a great many low ruffians in that dock cro^s-examine witnesses, and T have "never 3een one do it sc badly as you." Dr Wilkins replied, "Yes, very we.ll your Honor." His Honor informed the jury that in law this cross-examination was entirely beside the- question. * AUCKLAND, November 27. The trial of Dr Wilkins on a charge of manslaughter was concluded to-day. The accused called evidence tc show that the woman he was alleged to have operated upon did uot gome to 1114 jsurgejj; ofl the djy^

stated. The Jury, after two hours' retirement, returned a verdict of not guilty.