SUPPOSED-MURDER AT AUCKLAND

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3569, 16 December 1882, Page 4

SUPPOSED-MURDER AT AUCKLAND

(Br Telegraph.) Auckland, December 15

Some particulars have been collected resspeeting the supposed murder of Hugh Aitken Hamilton, who was stated to have died from injuries sustained by falling against the foot of his bedstead, by stumbling in the dark, thus fracturing his skull. This account of the matter was regarded at the time as suspicious. There were apparent contradictions in Mrs Hamilton's statement, and several improbabilities in connection ■with the affair imparted a sin ister coloring to it in the light of subsequent discoveries.When Superintendent Thompson consented to make further investigations he placed the matter in Detective Strathearn's hands, and on Dotective Walker's arrival from Dunedin a week ago he also was told off for the duty. A number of people were reported to be in possession of evidence of more or less damnatory character, and these were all diligently sought and interrogated before either of the two who were believed to be principals were approached. A variety of evidence, presumptive, and in some cases direct, ■was obtained tending to show that a young man named Priestley and Mrs Hamilton had been very intimate ; that the domestic relations of Mr and Mrs Hamilton had for 80me'time past been of an unhappy character, and that the unfortunate deceased was jealous of his wife. No absolute proof of improper intercourse between Priestly and Mrs Hamilton has been obtained, but they were frequently together, and Priestly had more, than once taken the woman to St. James' Church. They had become the subject of common talk both in the neighborhood and amongst the congregation "of St. James.' It was alleged amongst other things that a blood-stained axe had been seen in Mrs Hamilton's house, and that she had carefully concealed it, and that Priestly had been noticed about the house on the night of the 28th ult. In order_ to ascertein what Priestley had to say for himself, Superintendent Thompson determined to interrogate him in person, and accordingly a messenger was sent for him. He was found between 4 and 5 p.m. in the house of Mr Alex. Neilson (Hamilton's brother-in-law) in Eden-terrace. Mrs Hamilton has been residing there since the inquest, and Priestly had been making occasional visits there. On this occasion,'- ■ however, she was in Priestley readily accompanied the messenger back to the police station, and was duly questioned. He made so many contradictory statements that the Superintendent's . supicions were strengthened against him, and when Mrs Hamilton was seen arid also gave contradictory information it was resolved to lose no further time in proceeding to action. The dwelling places of both prisoners were visited, and sufficient evidence was obtained to justify Superintendent Thomson in procuring warrants for the arrest of both Mre Hamilton and Priestley. In the ■woman's house an old and much used American axe was discovered, which to a casual observation presented no unusual appearance. The critical eye of the detective, however, perceived some dull stains upon the blunt edge of the iron head, and along the contiguous portions of the handle. Both the wood and the metal looked as if there had becu a l-ecent attempt made to clean them, and it is assumed that the effort to erase the suspicious looking stains had not been entirely successful. That, however, remains to be seen after medical analysis. No other traces of blood seem to have been got in or about the house, but amongst Priestley's clothing further suspicious evidence was brought to light. A pair of dai'k tweed trousers, somewhat worn in appearance, were found loosely packed away in his trunk with other clothing, and after a cursory inspection a moist and dark colored spot of blood was detected at the very bottom of one of the legs. The searchers also came across a handkerchief stained here and there with blood. With this fresh and highly sinister evidence to hand Superintendent Thompson determined to stay his hand- no longer. Accordingly warrants were made out this morning for the arrest of Mrs Hamilton and Thomas . Priestley on the charge [of wilful murder, and Detectives Strathearn and Walker were commissioned to execute them without delay. Priestley was found at his lodgings in the dwelling of Mr A. Neilson, Mount Eden, at which house Mrs Hamilton also resides. When the officers told him their business he made no statement, being apparently fully prepared. Mrs Harnil ton was taken into custody later.

Ifc would be idle and unfair to recite all the reported incidents alleged against the accused, for the honci fides of many of them have yet to be Jtested. Two, however, which are vouched for on good authority may rightly be mentioned. One is that Mr Richardson, deputy-superinten-dent of Sfc, James , Sunday School, met Priestley about 7.30 o'clock on the night of the 28th ultimo going into Game's house in Pitt-streefc, and in conversing with him Priestley mentioned that he intended to walk out to Onehunga last night. Mr Bichardson remarked upon the singularity of such an undertaking, but got no explanation of it. They then parted, and on the following morning, when Hamilton's death was reported, Priestley came to Mr Richardson and reminded him. that he had said on the previous nighfc that he was going out to Onehunga. The other circumstance is that Priestley purchased strychnine on two occasions prior to Hamilton's death, but ifc cannot be found that he made any use of ifc. Of course the affair lias caused great sensation in town, both on account of Priestley's character and repute as a Sunday school teacher and theological student, and Mre Hamilton's relationship to the alleged victim as well as her supposed connection with the prisoner.

Thomas Priestley is by no means a stranger in Auckland, for being of a religious turn of mind, and considered to be a most upright young man, he made ■ numerous acquaintances, especially among the Presbyterian body. Four years ago" he lived at Awifca, near Manukau Heads, and there it is stated lie was not in the best of circumstances, but a turn in the wheel of fortune placed him soon in an almost independent position. It came about in this way. A gentleman named M'Toir sold his estate for a considerable Bum of money and resolved to put it to some useful purpose. About the same time Thomas Priestley attracted his attention by suddenly leaving the Roman Catholic Church, of which he had been a warm adherent. Priestley professed to see new light, and lie turned Protestant. This was just the very man M'Teir wanted, and he decided lo lend Priestley a helping hand in his " search after truth." Priestley also about this time became an object of public sympathy owing to several misfortunes which fell fast upon him. One night his wharo was burned down, and there wore not wanting tongues to declare that this was the work of some religious opponent who had become wroth because of Priestley turning from the Church of his fathers. However, M'Teir took him in hand. He (M'Teir) had a great desire to do something in the religious cause, and as he was too old himself to go about preaching he resolved to send Priestly and another young man to Auckland and assist them in preparing for the ministry. Priestly, upon being asked whether he was agreeable to such a proposition, said there wasnothiug he desired more, and it was arranged that he should become a Presbyterian student. His friend was rather inclined to the Wesleyans, but their patron would not assist him in that way, and be accordingly consented to join Priestley and cast his lot in with the Presbyterians. They carao to Auckland about two years ago, and both etarted to study hard, for neither could boast of any great scholarly attainments. Yet Priestly was not willing to waste either time or money, and with this object in view he got employment at the Auckland, Timber Mills

There he remained for twelve months, pursuing his studies during the evenings with much energy. He also during this time became connected wito the St. James' Presbyter'an Church Sunday school, the Band of Hope, and other institutions connected therewith, and proved a most active worker in all ho undertook. In the Sunday school he taughfc a large class of boys, and occasionally opened and closed school ■with prayer. He led prayer meetings, and conducted a Sunday morning Bible class in connection -with, the Presbyterian examinations. When it happened, as it did upon one or two occasions, that the minister of the Church could not attend the weekly prayer meetings, Priestley came to the fore and proved a very able substitute. He generally appeared greatly affected by the religious services, and to a listener had the appearance of a very pious young man indeed. He spoke slowly, deliberately, and impressively, and his discourses were usually much appreciated. In fact he was looked forward to as a most promising student. About a year since he ceased manual labor altogether, and devoted himself solely to study. Ho became connected with the Rev. P. Mason's advanced class, and from that time until the present has been a student there. Priestley's labors in the cause of religion extended rapidly, and while he still remained a member of St. James' Church ho undertook to conduct worship in country churches, and on various occasions preached from the pulpit at Onehunga, Otahuhu, Epsom, and other places. Priestley looks to be between 24 and 26 years of age, and is rather above the medium height. He is inclined to be sickly. In short, Priestley is about the last man suspicion would connect with the crime with -which he is chai'ged. Hugh Aitken Hamilton, the deceased, was a tall, powerfully-built man, 31 yeai-s of age, of florid complexion, and mild temper. Tor many years he worked for Messre Sargood, Sons and Ewen, warehousemenj but for some short time prior to his death he was in the employ of Messrs -Archibald Clark and Son, Short-land-street. He took great interest in the Newton Orange Society, and held the responsible position of secretary to the Lodge. He also was a regular churchgoer, and attended Sfc. James' ■with great regularity ; some times with his wife or mother, bnb oftener alone. The Sabbath school also occupied a great deal of his time, and for many years he taught a class of boys. For some time he -was very zealous in the work, but for the last three months of his life he appeared less inclined for it, and was very irregular in attendance. Ib has been stated that he inclined towards intemperance, but few persons can be found to assert that he was unable to take care of himself. That his death should be caused therefore in any way by excessive drinking, -was difficult for many people to believe, and great surprise was experienced by his friends when the disclosures on this head were made at the inquest.

Mrs Hamilton, widow of the deceased, is 35 years of age, somewhat tall, spare, and possessing rather hard features. So far as can be learned she lived with her husband on good terms since their marriage up till a short time ago, when her husband's jealousy led to occasional words. They had two or three children, of whom Hamilton was excessively fond, and they prove one of the gi'eatesfc attractions of his home. Mrs Hamilton's mother, sister, and brother are at present in town, and she lived with them from the time of her husband's death until ■within a few days ago, "when she removed to Eden-terrace district. She has throughout the inquiry exhibited, little emotion, and when spoken to on the subject of her hugband's death has answered all questions and given voluntary statements regarding the circumstances clearly, and with no apparent reserve.