THE TIMARU SENSATION.

Auckland Star, Volume XVII, Issue 205, 1 September 1886, Page 2

THE TIMARU SENSATION.

Charge of Attomptcd Wlfc-Murdoi'

[liV TKIiECIIAPIC. -1*111583 ASSOCIATION.]

Timatut, this day. In Hall's caso yostorday afternoon, Mr Cotter, gaoler at, Timaru, gave evidence as to a lottor from Mi?s Houßton to tho prisoner Hall, boginning "Dear Tommy Dodd," and ending "Ever yours. Megrims." Ho had destroyed tho lotter, and spoko from

momory

Mr Ormsby, tho solicitor who prepared Mrs Hall's will, gave evidenco that he did so at Hall's wish, but he was not the solicitor of him or his wife.

Petor William Hutton deposed : I am a bookseller in Timaru, I know Hall, tho roalo accused. Hall saw me about a book " Action of Mcdicino" by Dr. Headland. Hall camo into the cornor of my shop in which medical books are kept. Ho mentioned as being what ho wanted information on. Amongst' other books I took this ono down looking at the contonts. I referred to the page on that subject, tho leaves not boing cut. I held tho book opon, saying, "Hero,Mr Hall, that is what you inquired for." Witli my psrmiesion ho cut tho leaves, and bought the book, lie saw mo subsequcntto this.ahouta month afterwards, and said bo would like mo to let him have a look at "Taylor on Poisons," making the remark that ho would bring it over again, This was dono. The book was brought back and reborrowed shortly aftorwards. On the second occasion of hisretui-ning tho book I said, " You'd bottor buy that book, Mr Hall. I'vo had it a long time in stock. I'll tot you have it cheap." I offered it to him for 10s Gd, and ho took it at that price, and before going out of tho shop put tho book on tho top of a glass caso, took tho penoil out of his pocket, and wrote at tho beginning and end of tho book. He tvroto on tho brown covor. I identify this as tho book I sold Hall. Boforo leaving the shop ho made further inquiries as toothers books on poisons, which 1 said I would procure for him if ho required thoro. I see writing in this book (produced) at both ends. The position of tho writing 13 just what I expected it would bo. I can toll from my books when ho bought tho " Action of Modicinos." It was on Saturday, May 0, 1885.

Evidonce was givon os to tbo ordering by Hall of a tin of kerosene to be sent to his office packed in brown paper. MaudHamereley,wifo of Mr A.Hamoreley, solicitor, doposod : I know Mr and Mrs Hall, I was at thoir houee shortly before Mrs Hall's baby waa born. I had some tea at their house. I had been in pood health up to that timo. Mr and Mrs Hall and Mies Houston wore in tho room, aI?o Mr Hamersley and Mr Smithton, but I am not quite stiro about tho latter. Tea was passed round, and I took 3 cup, I think, from the tray. I can't remember if tho tea was poured out'in tho room. When I took tho tea, somebody, either Hall or Mies Houston, said that it was Mrs Hall's tea, giving as a reason that it bad no sugar or milk in it. I drank the tea. I can't remember if they told mo more than that it was Mrs Hall's tea. I did not put milk or sugar in tho tea. I remained at the houso about half an hour after drinking the tea. I drove from Hall's direct home. 1 was very sick during tho drive, and beforo I loft, also when I got home. A few minutes elapsed before I felt ill. After drinking tho tea I could keep nothing on my stomach. I was all right next day. Tho sickness continued for somo time. I could not account for tho sickness in any way, and have not been so violently ill since. I retched a good doal after taking food. I know the house occupied by Hall, and was there on the Tuesday morning after prieonors were arrested. I stayed there till the Thursday following. I was in a small room upstairs on the Wednesday evening. I noticed a smell of kerosene. Mrs Ellison, the nurse, was with me, and went up to a cupboard to pee if there was kerosene there. I saw a tin of kerosone there round the corner of the door. You could not see it as you opened tbe door, as thero is a chimney right in front. 1 saw something, hut I did not notice them sufficiently to remember and describe them The smoll of kerosene in the garret or loft was much strongor than in tbe room. I lifted the tin of kerosene to see how much was in it, and found it nearly full. 1 just took it out and put it back, I did not remove the tin.

The Cable Subsidy and Rates

(liV telegraph-—pricks association.)

Wi:i.i inuton. Tuesday. A special n-ieolint; oi the Council of tho Chamber of Commorco was hold thi* afternoon, to consider tho question of cable rates between Now Zealand and Australia. Tho following resolution was carried :--"Tbat tho Chamber communicate with tho Chambers at Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunodin, asking their co-oporation and actual representation on a deputation to tho Premier and Postmaster General to urge the temporary continuation of the subsidy to the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company, on condition that tho rates be reduced from tenponco to sixpence for ordinary'mossagos, and to thrceponco for press messages, and that failing a reduction in rates on the basis suggested, tho Government bo urged to take steps os early as poßeiblo to lay a duplicate cable botween this colony and Australia."