KALGOORLIE MURDERS

Evening Star, Issue 19407, 16 November 1926, Page 3

KALGOORLIE MURDERS

TREFFEHE'S LAST VERSION

Further statements regarding the circumstances of tho Kalgoqrlio murders and the defence of Philip Treffecie and William Coulter—who were executed on October 25—aro contained in a message despatched _ from Perth the day after tho execution. The message states:—“Jack Treffone, son of Philip Treffene, told an interesting story to-day regarding the defence at the trial and the reason for his father’s statement on the day before his execution, charging Coulter with the murder of Detective Inspector Walsh and Detective-sergeant Pitman. Ho said that on the clay in question his father told him that the defence was prepared by Coulter and himself in the remand yard at tho Fremantle gaol, and that Air A. G. Haynes, who defended tho prisoners, did not know the true story, and that they refused to tell him any more than they had arranged” * Referring to his father’s last statement, in which he said that the story told at the trial was untrue, Jack Trelfeno said that Coulter had given his word at the time of the murder that whatever happened, so long as Treffenq accepted the blame for the actual killing of Walsh and Pitman, he (Coulter) would provide for Treffene’s children. Mr Haynes went to the Fremantle gaol shortly before the execution for tho purpose of accepting instructions from Coulter and Treffene in regard to the preparation of their wills, and Treffene overheard his conversation with Coulter in the adjoining cell.

Treffene, according to the story, heard Coulter give instructions that his money was to be left to his own wife and children. He heard Air Haynes say; “But I understand you promised Treffene that some provision would be made for his children, too?” Coulter’s reply, according to Treffene, was for Air Haynes to do as he was instructed. Air Haynes then entered Treffene’s cell, and Treffene said: “Well, Air Haynes, I have been solid to Bill right through, but he has twisted on me < at the finish.” Air Haynes asked him what he meant, and Treffene said ho had overheard "the conversation with Coulter. Jack Treffene said that he told his father ho was a fool to shield ('on)tqr any longer, and that then_ his father decided to make known officially tho part played by Coulter and himself in the murder. Air Haynes stated in an interview that he could not divulge the contents of Coulter’s will, but no provision had been made for Treffenc’s children. What Treffene said ho had overheard Was quite correct.

Referring In Evan Clarke, who was committed lor trial as an accessory after the fact after ho had given evidence against Coulter and Treffene, Jack Treffene said he had no animosity against Clarke, and that on the day before tho execution his father said that, after all, Clarke could not be blamed, and that Clarke bad nothing to do with the murder, although Treffene did not know what Clarke might have done in the disposal of the bodies. It has since been announced that tho charge against Clarke is not being proceeded ovith.

Tho stuff superintendent was interviewing an Irishman who had applied for a job as a motor bus driver. ‘‘Can you drive a ear?" bo asked.- “ Can Oi drive a car?" repeated the Irishman scornfully. "Well, suppose you run the bus into the shed." Pat climbed on to the trembling vehicle. He looked- around, grabbed the biggest lever, and pulled it for all be was worth. Zipl she went into the shed. Pat saw trouble ahead, and, guessing what would happen, reversed the lever. Out she went; then in again. "1 thought you said you cohid drive a car!' 1 demanded the superintendent, But Pat had an answer ready. “Oi had'her .in thr^e l times. Why didn’t you shut- the ;! door Ft- J. . ;■ ■