THE TIMARU SENSATION.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 4734, 8 October 1886, Page 3

THE TIMARU SENSATION.

[per press association.]

Christchurck, This day.

The Timaru case was begun at the Supreme Court this morning. The Court was crowded, and a number of persons assembled outside to see tho prisoners alighting from the van. Justice Johnson, in charging the Grand Jury, said they need only examine such witnesses as wore necessary for establishing aprimrrj'itcic ease. The form of indictment would prob >bly bo for administering antimony with the intention of killing and murdering the wife of Hall. After reviewing the evidence relating to Hall, tho Judge pointed to t'tic existence; of a motive on his part for wishing his wife's death, as he would receive the benefit of her lifo insurance, and that his circumstances wero much embarrassed. The Judge showed to render a man guilty of attempted poisoning , , it was sufficient for him to take any steps by which it would be rendered certain, or probably that person whom he wished to poison would take it. Hall had every opportunity of administering poison to his wife, and had purchased antimony, a poison which was found in wino and vomit from Mrs Hall. The ease against Miss Houston rested on the fact that she was on very familiar terms with Hall, and that she had ample opportunity of administering poison to Mrs Hall, and on the fact of her endeavoring to assist Hall to destroy a certain phial when arrested. Thero was no evidence of a distinct motive on her part, nor of any promise of Hull to marry her after his wife's death. There were twelve charges of forgery against Hull, but there was no necessity to comment on them. The Judge's charge lasted about an hour. Ho made no reference to Captain Cain's death, or to the exhumation of his body. It has been definitely decided that Mrs Hall shull not give evidence. Later. After an hour and a-half's retirement the Grand Jury found true bills against Hall and Miss Houston for administering poison. Tho case will be heard at 11 a.m. on Monday.