THE MURDER OF ROBERT STREETER.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume IV, Issue 484, 24 July 1890, Page 2

THE MURDER OF ROBERT STREETER.

The hearing of the charge of murder against William Black was taken at the R.M. Court on Tuesday morning, before Mr Booth, R.M. Mr Nolan appeared for the. Crown and Mr L. Rees for tha defence. Mr Nolan said it would be unnecessary for him to open the case at any length, and this would bo but a preliminary enquiry if His Worship was satisfied there was sufficient grounds for committing the accused. Oa the application of Mr Rees all witnesses, excepting the police, were ordered out of Court, DOCTOR’S EVIDENCE—WOUNB MIGHT POSSIBLY BB SELF INFLICTED. Dr Innes was the first witness called, and deposed that on the 17th instant he had gone up to Mr Foster’s run and made an examination of tho body which had been identified as Streeter’s. When he went there he saw only the legs and feet of the body and ordered it to be pulled up with ropes. The body was that of a slender man, fully dressed with the exception of the hat. The face was unrecognisable, but he believed the body was that cf a man named Stree’er, whom he had known for some time. He saw no blood on the ground round about. Directed the body to be taken to the Oil Springs Hotel, and on the next day post mortem examination of it. [The dress was then described by witness.] Recognised the clothes produced as those on the body. Tbe body was much decomposed, especially the head, and bad been in the ground a long lime. On the right side of the head there was a hole 2in by 3in, situated at the end of the jaw and protruding half 'he right ear. On opening the skull found it shattered into many fragments. From tha substance of the brain he extracted some gravel, and two pellets of flattened lead. The rest of the organs were healthy, and he considered death was due to gunshot wound.

To Mr Rees: Hsd seen no blood on looking round the neighborhood of the hole, but there was some on some battens that were shown him. The body might have b-en in the ground three months and still have be m in the state of preservation it was in considering the time of the year. The sta : ns on the coat and vest looked like b’oodstains. At the Coroner’s inquest he had misttken one of the pellets of lead for a piece of gravel. Could not tell the geological structure of tbe pieces of gravel, nor whether the flattened pellets were whole shot or pieces, nor coul l he say whether they had been globular in shape. His opinion was the pel ets had been deposited in the brain at the time the wound was caused, but he would not say that with regard to tha pieces of gravel. Had not endeavored to obtain the specific gravity of the pellets, by weighing or otherwhe. It would have been possible for the wound to have been caused by gravel shot from a gun. He wished to modify his statement before the Coroner as to say that “ there is the remotest possibility of the wound being self inflicted.” As a general rule in self inflicted wounds with a shotgun tha wound is smaller than appeared in this case, but Borne weepons scatter much more than others. Alto, there are no marks of 'singeing by gunpowder in this case. The absence of marks might be accounted for by the length of time that had elapsed when the body was in the ground, before examination, and the extreme laceration. The shot would have entered from below the ear, penetrating upwards. Could not say positively whether the" wound was caused before or after death, but by the stains on the coat believed the wound must have been inflicted before death. William. Armstrong, surveyor in Government service, deposed: He had gone up on the 19th to make a survey of the scene of the murder (plan produced and witness exhaustively examined in explanation). If Street r crossed the Waipaoa river on the Kane Kanae track Ormond would be the first place reached. He could not come out at Steggall’s without crossing the river many times and leaving the track altogether.

To Mr Rees ; Track marked 3 on the map was the only track he knew would taka a person from the camp to Kane Kanae.

EXAMINATION OF MRS STREETF.B—SAYS NO CONVERSATION ABOUT HER HUSBAND. Elizbeth Streeter, wife of Robert Francis Eweburn Streeter, deposed: Her hit-band was now deceased. Knew accused, who had been staying at her hnuse for about twelve mouths. Ho had gone away to work for Mr Foster, about, five months ago, about the same time as her husband had gone. The latter went the day before accused. Black had taken the work and Streeter went of his own will to assist him, in accordance with an arrangement made between them. That was the last day she had seen her husband alive—the day he left to go to the work. Had received letters from him, and also from accused. When the latter went away she asked him to send her a letter as to how her husband was getting on, as he had been drinking, and she got a note from him saying Streeter was all right and had not been drinking, Mr Nolan: Did you not get letters from prisoner every week that Streeter was away ? Witness: I got a good many from him. Mr N. Where are those letters, Mrs Streeter? W. I burnt them. Mr N. When did you burn them ? W. I burnt every letter as I read it. Mr N. Did you not burn them all at one time in April ? W. No, I did not, sir; I burnt every letter as I got it. Mr N. When did the prisoner first come down after he went up first ’ W. He came down about three weeks after he went up first. MrN. Was that before or after you heard of the disappearance of your husband ? W. Before. Mr N. Towards the latter end of March 1 W. I couldn't tell the dates. Mr N. When did he next come down ? W. I don’t think he came down again until Mr Streeter was supposed to be gone away. MrN. Did you on that occasion ask him about Streeter. W. Yes. Mr N. What did you ask him ! W. I asked him how the old man was getting on, meaning Mr Streeter. Mr N. What was his reply ? W. He said “hasn't he been home?—he left me a fortnight ago, saying he was coming home.” Mr N. What was your reply ? W. I said, I haven’t seen him Mr N. Was there anything farther said ? W. I don’t think so— 1 don’t remember of . anything. Mr N. Did he say anything about giving any money to Streeter. W. No. Mr N. How long did accused remain on that occasion ? W. He came on the Saturday and went back on the Monday. Mr N. When did he come after that ? W. About another fortnight or three weeks? Mr N, What was the conversation then ? W. I had no conversation then—Streeter’s name was not mentioned at all, so far as I remember. Mr N. How long did Black remain on that occasion ? W. I think he came on a Saturday and went on the Sunday. Mr N. Did he go by himself or take the boy with him ? W. He went by himself. Mr N. Did the aon go up and work with him, and when ? W. I think it was soma time in April. Mr N. He went to work with Black. W. Yes. Mr N. Do yon remsmber the next time Black came? W. No. Mr N. He has been several times since ? W. Yes. Hie Worship: To your house ? W. Yes. Mr N. Were there on any of these subsequent occasions any conversations about Streeter ? W. No ; none that I can remember. Mr N. Take your time—this was not so long ago—we want the evidence cleared up ? W. I don’t remember saying anything with the accused about Streeter on any of these occasions. Mr N. The only time Streeter was mentioned was on the first occasion when Black came down I Are we to believe that? Do yott With us to believe that

Mr Baes objected to Mr Nolan’s method of asking the question, but the latter maintained that he was perfectly right in trying to obtain a decided reply. W. I don’t think Streeter was mentioned. Mr N. Just try and remember another occasion ? W. No, I never mentioned him after the first occasion. Mr N. Did Black ever mention him ? W. No. Mr N. Did you ever hear any mention ot Streeter in the accused’s presence ? W. Yes, once. Mr N. Will you tell us the circmnatanceß. W. A lady came in to see me while accused and I were in the house together. Mr N. What was the lady’s name P W. Mrs Price. She said “ What would yon think if Bob were to come in now ?" meaning Mr Streeter. Mr N. Did anybody reply to that ? W. Yes, Mr Black said “There’s no fear of him coming.” Mr N. Now, you have told ns that you had no conversations with Black with reference to Streeter. W. Not that I remember. Mr N. Now, I will see if I can assist you a little. Did the prisoner own a horse ? W. Yes. Mr N. Did he ever say anything to ycu about his being arrested ? W. Yes, on the Sunday night. Hie Worship : What Sunday night ? W. The Sunday night he came home after the Sergeant came to me [July 131. Mr N. What was he to be arrested for ? Mr Rees objected to leading questions being asked. Mr N. put the question in another form— Did he say why ? W. He did not say why, or what for. Of course the Sergeant came to me, and my little boy had come home sick. The Sergeant said “ Well if he (Black) comes, send him round to me, and it will sate a lot of trouble.” Mr N. That is, between the Sergeant and you. W. I said to Jack [the boy] in the morning, You had better go and to save trouble tel! Black he is wanted in town at once. The little boy met him on the road coming back. He (accused) came down and had then been to see Constable Firmer in Ormond, and was coming to see the Sergeant, He (accused) did not say what he was going to see him for—to see and get the thing cleared up. Mr N. Which thing? W. He met someone on tho road. MrN. Whioh thing ?—I want this cleared up. W. He met Jack Parsons on the road.

Mr N. I don't want to know what was said to Parsons—l want to know what was said to you. W. lam telling you. He said, “This is a nice thing to be accused cf ’’—ot the murder of Streeter, I suppose. His Worship : Did ha not say for what ? W. No. Mr N. Was not Streeter’s name mentioned ? W. I told him what the Sergeant said to me about Streeter being missing, and he said he would go and see him (Sergeant Carlyon) at once. Mr N. That is one conversation you remember since the second occasion he returned f 'om thia fencing. Try and see if you can remember another one. Witness affirmed that she could not. Mr N. That was the only other conversation yonhad in reference to Streeter ? e W. To the accused ? MrN. Or in his presence ? W. Yes, that I remember. MrN. What did he say about a horse, saddle, and bridle? W. He said, “You take care of the horse and it will pay you for some money I owe you for the board.” Mr N. Was this on tho Sunday ? W. Yes, he did not mention aa to the saddle and bridle. Mr N. Da you know whether he had a watch and chain ?

W. Yes. ho gave it to the boy for wages. Mr N. Now, he gave you a horse; did he give you anything else at any time ? W. On the 7th of July, a Monday, he gave me a ring—Wednesday was my birthday and the ring was a birthday present. Mr N. What sort of a ring ? W. A wedding ring. I think that (produced) is the one. Mr N. Had you a wedding ring prior to that ? W. Yes. Witness was then questioned as to Streeter's clothes, which she indentified. When asked as to what clothes he took up with him she said she thought he had three suits, not including his best one, but one that he did not work in much. [Luncheon Adjournment.] Mr Nolan: You say that during the time Black was away at this work you received letters every week ? Witness ; Yes. MrN olan: To whom were they addressed ? Witness: Some of thorn to me. They were always care of me, sometimes to Miss Willis. The first letter I received after Streeter left was addressed “ Miss Willis, care of Mrs Streeter, Gisborne.” The others were all addressed to “.Mrs Streeter.” Mr Nolan : Did you get any money from Black during the time he was there ? Witness: I got a cheque for £3 in a registered letter. I do not remember the date.

Mr Nolan: Have you seen that book before (little account book produced) ? Witness: Yes; it belongs to the accused. I see the item of £9 referred to —it was there when I saw the book before. Mr Nolan : Whose hand writing is it ? Witness: I could not tell you. Mr Nolan: Don’t you know Black’s writing ? Witness : Yes, that is his writing. Mr Nolan: When you saw this book it would be after Streeter's disappearance. Witness : Yes. Mr Nolan: Now, what was the conversation that led up to this book being produced ? Witness : I asked Black what money Mr Streeter had had. He did not say anything, but showed me the book produced. Mr Nolan : Did he tell you then he .had all this £9 ? Mr Nolan: You see that with a little assistance yon can reme über other conversations, though some time back you said you had only two conversations . with accused about Streeter. Now, this ia the third that you can remember. Is there any other ? Try if you can remember. I only want you to tell ua what you know about it. W. I am only too anxious to tell the truth. Mr N. I know that—you have told us of these with some assistance. Try and remember some other conversations, I don’t want to assist you in all these conversations. I would much rather you would tell me yourself. W. I don’t remember anything. Streeter had been away twice before. My idea was he would turn up again all right. When he went away to Wellington I had to send him money to return home, and when he came to Gisborne he did not send for me. Mr N. That is not what I want to know. Do you remember any other conversation ? W. No; it is not like as if a man had been away before. He had been away twice. [Mrs Streeter here began to be hysterical.] Mr N. Do yon remember whether thia (account book) was shown to you on the first occasion ? W. No, that was shown to me some time after that. Besides the cheque for £3 I had other money, sometimes a pound, and sometimes two or more. Mr N. What was that for ? W. Money he owed me for board and sickness while he was in the house. Mr Rees: How long have yon known the accused ? W. About twelve months. Mr R. Was Streeter on good terms with the accused ? W. Yes, sir. Mr B. You never saw them have any falling out? W. No. Mr B. Mr Streeter Used to drink a goed deal f

W. Yes; Mr Streeter never kept me at aB.

Mr R. Do you know if accused was given to imbibing intoxicating liquor W. I only saw him intoxicated once. Mr B, The accused was boarding at your place ? W. Yes. Mr B. When did ha go there first? W. About twelve mouths ago. Mr R. You expressed no surprise when you heard Mr Streeter had gone away ? W. Not in the least. Mr R. Had Mr Streeter ever left you before withot saying anything about it? W. Yes; twice. Mr R. Can you give us the date of the firat occasion ? W. I think it is about 14 or 15 years ago. I was in Napier at the time, and he went to Wellington. Mr R. Did ha tell you ha was. going away? W. Yes, he told me he was going. Mr R. On the second occasion did ha leave yon suddenly ? W. Yes. Mr R. How long was he away on the first ? W. Two months. Mr B. How long ago was the seoond occasion ? W. About twelve years ego, when he came to Gisborne. . Mr R. Whan Black offered to give you a present did you suggest this ring ? W. Yes; I suggested the ring myself—l said I would like a wedding ring, as tha one I had was nearly worn out. I said the little boy had always been going to buy me one—now you buy me one. Mr R. Had the accused been in the habit of giving you money before the disappearance of your husband ? W. Yea, I had received sums of money from him for board, and nursing him when he was sick. Mr R. How did you give up possession of that ring ? W. Constable Beddell asked me to give it to him. Mr B. Did he show you any search warrant then, or at any time when he was searching the house ? W. No. OENXBAL EVIDENCE. Charles John William Henry Price, son * of Mrs Streeter, by her first husband, de- ™ posed that he was 17 years of age. In April he was working for Mr Alex. Parsons at Ormond. When accused was passing, he told witness that Streeter had cleared out, about a fortnight or so before. That was the whole of his conversation with Black until he had seen him in town at his (witness') mother’s, and on being asked, he told Black he had left Parsons’, and Black said witness could come up and work with him if he liked. Witness replied all right, and agreed to go for a pound a week. Wae in the house with him for a couple of days, but had no further conversation with him on the subject, and was not aware of any conversation about Streeter. Was in accused’s employ for over six weeks. Did not remember ever having spoken to him about Streeter on any other occasion, excepting that mentioned at Ormond. [The witness was here warned.] There was no use of his aying he did, because he remembered of no other. XYhen his mother sent him up to tell Black to come down, he told him he was wanted in town because of some row about Streeter. [His Worship warned witness again.] Had never heard Black mention anything about Streeter, excepting once he thought he heard him say to Parkinson and Waring “ I wonder where Streeter is now.” Never, that he remembered, took part in any conversation about Streeter, Did not know a hat of Streeter's that was in the camp. One had been burnt. He had burnt it—bo thought it was Black's hat. It was wet through, and when he was drying it, it fell into the fire—he did not do it on purpose. Parsons was with Black when he gave the latter the message from his mother. No other conversation then occurred. Cams to town with Black. It took them more than two hours to come down —he met them at the Rattrap. Remembered nothing of the conversation except as to the state of the river. Had no other conversation about Streeter. Met Mr Devery on the road. The Utter asked Black if he was off to town again, and said people were talking about accused having shot Streeter. [His Worship again cautioned witness, who began crying, and Mr Rees urged that Mr Nolan should not confuse tha witness ] Witness then explained the conversation. Black said he was off to see the police as people at Devery’a place said he (accused) ehot Streeter. Mr Black had given witness a watch and chain, and said it he (accused) were arrested witness could have the articles as part of the money owing to him. Black did not say what he was likely to be arrested for. [On being pressed witness said Black used the words, If I am arrested over thia row about shooting Streeter.] Had heard the men ask Black where Streeter was and Black replied, I’m sure I don't know. To Mr Bees : Streeter always treated him badly when ha was at home. Witness had not much affection for Mr Streeter, and when the latter was reported missing did not trouble his head much about him. Wben accused gave him the watch and chain his mother was with him, and Black told him to take this watch and chain as part of his wages it accused were arrested over this row about shooting Streeter. This was on the Sunday, a day previous to Btacks’e arrest. Had not at that time heard that accused had bean tha last man seen in the company of Streeter. The hat referred to was burned two or three days before they shifted camp. Had been wearing it when the weather was wet. He believed this hat had been burnt soma weeks after the 24’h ot May. The hat had only been partially burnt, and the remains he believed were there yet. Mr Black said the hat belonged to him—it was generally in * kit beneath witness' bed. To Mr Nolan : Mr Black never knocked him about, but witness cared no more for one than the other. If anybody asked him who waa the best he told them Black was. Mrs Price deposed that she had known | Mrs Streeter for about fourteen years and accused for about three months. Thought she had first seen him about May last at Mrs Streeter’s place. He was then in the dining room—there was no conversation then, though she spoke to Mrs Streeter. He did mt make any remark that day. Had seen him on what she thought was the second time he had come down from his work. He was then in bed with Mrs Streeter. Said to both, “Where would you be if Bob came in now” (meaning Streeter). Aocuaed said, “Therd’s no fear of him coming back. ” There was nothing further said. Had had other conversations with him after Streeter's disappearance—did not know Black till then. Knew there was such a man, but had not seen him. She really could not remember anything he had said until the Bth July, when she lent her horse to Mrs Streeter to bring Black down. Had seen him afterwards ou the Friday, at Mrs Streeter s. XVhen witness went in accused came to tbe door and said, “ Thi« is a fine state of affaire ’ She replied, “ Yes, it doesn't look very well for you, old man.” Hesaid, “ Whoeveraaid it, I’ll make them suffer for it.’’ Witneu said, “ Well it was Parkinson started t, waa it not ?” Accused said, “ No, I eelled ana saw Parkinson, and he said it was Lloyd," a man she believed was driver of the Kaitaratahi ooach. She said, “ Well I suppose they’ll find him if he’s to be found (Streeter).” He said, “ No, he’s atowed away in some of these big vessels.” He didn’t aay any more beoauas he had got up to fry some sausages. After that I said, “ I believe they aay you went into the bush shooting with Streeter, and came out without him.” Accused said “We didn't go two hundred yards in the bush, but sat down and had a amoke,” Sbe said, “Well, if he’s gone away the first hotel he would oome to would be Devery’a (Kaiteratahi).” Aooused said, “ No, the first hotel he would pull up at would be Steggall’s (Bridge).” Accused did not say whither he had left Streeter in the bush. Often went to Mrs Streeter’s after the hqsband had gone up to the bush. Saw no letters at the house, but had seen photographs ox Mr Streeter’e friends. Mr Streeter bad torn up the photographs in front of witness and a gentleman. Mrs Streeter bad told nsr Streeter had gone to Napier. ~ . To Mr Bees: Were you not kindly interested in Mr Streeter yourself P Witness at first misunderstood the quet- | tion, and replied yes, believing it was the name of Mrs Sweeter that was used. She was on very affectionate terms with Mrs Streeter—had been, and was now» but Mvt* With Mr Streeter.

Mr R. It wag never the correct thing to say that Mr Streeter was once a sweetheart of yours ? W. (indignantly), Never, I have been a married woman since I came to the bay. Mrs Streeter’s former husband was no relation of my bn-band . W. The last I heard of my husband he was in Melbourne. I believe he will be back on Friday.

Mr R. When did he go? W. About three weeks ago. Witness here mentioned that it was only for Mr Price's sake she felt pained about th is case He (Mr Price) did not know she was on speaking terms with Mrs Streeter. Mr R. Are yon certain there were never any improprieties between you and Mr Streeter ? W. (emphatically). Certainly there was not. The Court was then adjourned until yesterday morning. WEDNESDAY. ! Court Resumed at 10.30 s.m.] Corstable Farmer, stationed at Ormond, deposed ; First saw accused on the 10h inst. He told me he was going to Gisborne as he was sent for to come in. I asked could he tell me anything about Streeter, and accused told me he went out with him on 30th March, from the camp. “ Went 400 yards from the camp, in the direction of Kanekane.e road. Streeter made up his mind to go home at once, and asked me if I had any money. I •aid, ‘ Three notes.’ Streeter asked, ‘ Will you give it me?’ I said, ‘ Yes,* and gave it him. I said, ‘You had better wait till next week, and have a horse.’ Streeter replied,‘l won’t bother, but will walk.’ We parted there. I went along the fence to see if there were any pigeons, but got none.” I asked him if he had heard anything of Streeter since, and -be replied, “ I have heard he was seen at Wairoa.” He said he returned to camp after looking for pigeons, and that he had a gun when they went out. On Tuesday, loth Joly, went with Constable Law to Whatatutu. I got three natives ae a search party, and then went to McDonald at Waitanga at 8 a.m. on the 16th. I sent the three natives, Constable Law, and McDonald to search for forester’s body, whi’e I went to the camp accused had been living. I searched the camp, and returned to Waitangi at 11 a.m. the same day. One of the natives came for a spade, and spoke to me, and I went with him to the bush, 2.} miles from the whare. Arriving there, found nothing touched. Could find no footmarks, except those of the search party. I saw a kind of fire place, with cross ■ticks, and wood laid under. Saplings had been cut close to the place to shade the fireplace and hole from observation from the main track in the bush. We commenced to dig near the fireplace. The soil in front appeared to have been moved. After digging some time, I saw the heel of a boot, and then two soles, and digging still further saw one arm and the back part of the body. I was then satiffied it was the body of a man. Sent Constable Law to report to the Sergeant of Police, not touching the body until the doctor arrived on the following day. When the doctor arrived he ordered the body to be drawn out with a rope and taken to the Oil Springs hotel, Whaiatutu. I searched the body before it was removed, and found a ■trap, eheath knife, and sheath (produced), and in the trouser pockets a penknife, match box, a few matches, pencil, and handkerchief. Thia was all that was found on the body. I found papers, book, and clothing at Black’s eamp. The book was in the same condition aa it is now. I also found a registered letter receipt, and two photograph?. I recognise one of the photographs as that of Mrs Streeter, but do not recognise the one of the house. A bag of shot was recognised, and was found in the camp ; also a shot pouch and a powder flask. I also found the gun now produced. Force had been used to p ace the body in the hole where found. Joseph Hart, painter, deposed: I live next door to Streeter's. I know accused. I saw him first on a Tuesday this month, and had a conversation with him. Hearing Street ir was missing, I asked him if there was any truth that Bob Streeter had cleared with a Maori woman. He said, " Yes, the b ’s gone, and a b good job too '* He said for two pins I would take my horse and clear out of the place. I said, “If you are innocent, stop where you are.” Two days after I again saw him. He spoke to me at the dividing fence. He said, " Hart, I have got into a nice mess, a man named Parkinson has laid an information against me. They reckon I have done away with Bob Streeter.’ I said to accused, This is a serious case. The public think you are the man who committed this crime. He said, Do you think I could murder a man and come and stop with his wife and family, as I can declare on the Bible I am an innocent man. Then he told me what money he paid to Streeter the week before he went away. " I gave him £4, and on the Sunday when we went out shooting we sat down on a log and smoked. Streeter asked me if I had any money on me. I told him yes, and gave him £3. Streeter seemed mucn annoyed, and said he had had enough of this sort of work, and he was going to clear to Gisborne to the old woman.” I saw the accused again on the Monday after that. He knocked at my back door. I went and saw him, and asked what he wanted. He said, I want to talk with you. We moved away and sat on the fence. He said, lam afraid I am going to be arrested, and shall be committed for trial for the murder of Bob Streeter, but if I shou'd be arrested, will you look in and see if Mrs Streeter is all right, then go to Mrs Price and tell her that I am arrested, and she will know what to do. Will you do me a favor if Ido get in gaol to pitch a stick of tobaceo into the prison yard ? Mrs Streeter will give you the tobacco. He then went away towards town. I then went into Mrs Streeter’s and had a conversation wiih her. Prisoner was living with her. He came down once a fortnight and stayed from Saturday until Sunday afternoon. To Mr Bees : The first conversation was on <ne Tuesday before arrest. Sergeant Carlyon, of Gisborne Police Station, deposed : I saw prisoner first on the 10th July. I know Mrs Streeter. First interviewed her on Wednesday. 9th July, on account of information I had received from Parkinson on Tuesday, the Bch inst. On the 10th prisoner came to my house in the evening. He said, lam Black, on entering the room ; Mrs Streeter sent her boy up to me to-day to tell me that the police wanted me. I said, I don’t want you, Black, but I have been to Mrs Streeter enquiring for Mr Streeter. I have sent out Constable Farmer to search at Whatatutu, and I am making enquiries everywhere. He said, I saw Farmer at Ormond, and told him all about it, and have come to tell you the same. I did not go out shooting with him on Sunday, the 30th March—it was on the Sunday before. On Bunday, the 30. h, we were out walking, but I took the gun with me. We only went a short distance out of the camp, and Streeter asked what money I bad on me. I said I had £3. He asked me for it, and I gave it to him. We then separated, and I went up the fence to look for pigeon?. I can’t say which way he went. When I returned to camp Waring and Parkinson only were there. I (Sergeant Carlyon) said. Farmer's report cannot come down till Saturday morning, and I can do nothing until I get it. He said, Very well, I will stop down till Sunday and see you on Saturday. He said, There is no fear; Streeter will turn up when he wants money. I said, lam acting on public talk. He said, “I’ll make it hot for somebody.” I next •aw him on Saturday m ruing, when he again came to my house, and asked me if I had heard from Conatabe Farmer. I relpied that the coach was not in and I would probably receive Farmer’s report that morning ; that I would send him word if I did. He said, “ Ob, there’s no fear, Streeter will turn up. He put on his best trousers, best ooat, and he had plenty of money to go anywhere. A fortnight before the 30th I gave him £4. On the 30th I gave him £3. He only gent his wife £l, and he must have had the £6. besides, Parsons told me he was ■een on the Wairoa road going to Napier.” I ■aid, “ Wbat Parsons; can you tell me his name? Bring him to me and that will clear the whole thing up.” He said, “ I don’t know his name, I don’t know where he is.” I said “ Weil you had better go now, Black, and I will send you word when I bear from Farmer.” I sent a message to him on Bunday by Constable Reddell. On Monday morning * VI ** him arrested at tta peliM station by Constable Reddell,

Mr Rees said he did not wish to ask tho witness any questions. Constable Reddell, stationed at Gisborne, deposed as to the arrest of accused on July 14. On the previous day went, by instructions, to Streeter’s, and calling Black out, told him that the Sergeant wished him to remain in town to see if there was anything 1 came by the coach on Monday. He replied, 'very well’ Arrested him at the police station. After reading the warrant to him, I cautioned him in the usual way. He replied, "Well, I have had nothing to do with it.” That was all, but saw him again that day, and brought him over to the Police Court, half an hour after the arrest. Accused said on the road, “ Is there anything from the country ?” On the 17th took accused to Whatatutu, and on the 18th an inquest was held on the body of Streeter, before which I cook prisoner to view the body. He said the body was that of Bob Streeter. In returning accused said "I hope they will find the man that done it.” Searched Mrs Streeter's place on the day of Black's arrest, and found in the bedroom a watch and chain, and watch pocket. On the 16th again saw Mrs Streeter, when I got a wedding ring from her, it being then on her finger. [Luncheon Adjournment.]

Constable Law, stationed at Gisborne, gave evidence as to accompanying the search party to the Toromiro bush, on Mr Foster’s run, and the discovery of the body—information already fully published. The body appeared to have been doubled up and jambed into a small hole, the body bring partially on its side, head down, feet upwards, and arms spread out in a backward direction. Assisted Constable Farmer to search the body, no money being found on it.

To Mr Rees: When he went up met the native portion of the search party at the Oil Springs Hotel. Constable Farmer had engaged them. There were two of the natives at the hotel, three being wanted. Rutene, Piniha and Rawiri were engaged. Stayed that night at McDonald’s hut and started about 8 next morning. As a stranger, had conversed with some of those present as to the likeliest direction to take. Had spoken to McDonald on the subject, and that person advised them to go across the river on to that range, pointing towards the Toromiro bush. That was the reason that induced them to go in that direction. Got to the spot where the body was found at 9 30. The was a cattle track the whole way. Passed an old camp going from Whatatutu to McDonald’?. It was on the bank of the river.

W. Good, jeweller, deposed that he knew the prisoner by sight. A fortnight last Monday, he thought it was, the accused bought from witness the wedding ring produced. Mrs Streeter was with accused before the latter came into the shop. John Parsons, head shepherd at Mr Foster’s station. Saw accused on June 30th. at the homestead, and had a conversation with him, first concerning fencing which he had done, ready to be settled for on that day. Among different things they began talking about the disappearance of his mate Streeter. Witness had broached the subject by asking the accused if he had heard where Streeter was gone. Accused replied that Streeter had gone away, the latter having told Black that he had got letters from his (Streeter’s) brother in Christchurch. Witness said, I suppose he has gone to him. Accused replied, I suppose so, too, as he was seen on the Wairoa road at Mohaka, with another man; they both had their swags on one horse, and he (Streeter) was seen again in Napier. When this point in the conversation had been reached, taid the witness, the tea bell rang and witness and accused went to tea, at 6 Afterwards Black came back to the whare where witness slept, and conversation again began. Black said, Little Jack (meaning Streeter’s stepson) tells me that you are well acquainted with the Streeter family ? Witness replied, Yes, I have known them between 16 and 17 years in Gisborne. Witness and accused then started talking generally, when Black said, Mrs Streeter is now looking a lot different to what she used to be, stouter and more healthy. Witness affirmed that, from having seen her a short time previously. Witness also said Streeter did not appear to treat his wife well when they lived near witness’ place. Accused said, Thank God, he won't trouble her again, poor soul I Witness said, What ? Accused said, Because he has gone away, I suppose to his brother. Subsequently, on the HhhJuly, witness went to Black's camp, and had a letter and a newspaper on him which the boy asked him to give to Black. The boy had taken sick and gone to town. Gave the articles to accused—they had come from the postoffice at Whatatutu. Wi.nesu said to accused, There is a funny rumor going about you. He replied, Go to b . Witness replied that he was not joking, and accused asked what it was, witness replying, It is rumored about thit you shot Streeter. Accused said, God in Heaven, who could use such words against me?—l never had a stain on my character. Accused looked flashed, and then turned pale. Witness asked. Did you or did you not shoot Streeter ? Accused replied, How could I, when he was seen on the road to Napier, and again in Napier ?—I will go and see about this; I will see the authorities. Witness replied, That’s the best thing you can do, and he said bo would go and get his horse when he had finished the strainer po>t he was then working at. Accused went and got his saddle and bridle and caught his horse. When he had mounted he said he felt cold as he had not his coat, but he refused to accept the loan of witness’ oilcoat. After going a few chains accused said, I hope to God that little Jack has not heard of this. Witness replied, I don’t suppose he has—did you and Streeter have any row ? Accused said, No, we were the best of friends and good mates—Streeter said to me on Saturday night (29;h March) he wanted to go to town and wanted some money. I [Black] gave him £3 on Sunday morning. Black said Streeter was then dressed in his best Sunday clothes, and he (Black) had said to him, You can ride the old mare down if you like, Bob, and I will get my pony and go with you to Mr Foster’s and get you some more money. Streeter, so Black asserted, said, It don’t matter, Willie, this will do. Black said further, I went with Streeter as far as the first crossing from the old camp, about a quarter of a mile—l shook hands with him, bid him goodbye, and we parted friends. Witness said, Did you go out shooting with Streeter ? Black replied, Yes, and I got back to camp about a quarter or halfpast two. Asked accused where were Waring and Parkinson on that day. He replied, They went down to the Oil Springs Hotel to get meat and stores. Having asked accused what packhorae they used, he replied that it was the old mare. Witness asked, How could Streeter have the old mare if they had taken it ? Accused then turned off the subject to the rumor that was then going about concerning him, and asked who had informed witness. The latter replied that it was Whyte, and accused said ha must see him. Accused and witness got to the homestead at 1.45. Witness saw Whyte going across the paddock, called to him and told him Black wanted to see him about what he had heard at the hotel and also from Mr Arthur. Whyte told Black there was such a rumor, that Streeter was supposed to have gone away but had not—had gone out shooting with Black and never returned. In reply to accused, Whyte repeated the story as he had heard it, and said that Mr Arthur had asked him if there was any truth in the yarn that had been circulated. Whyte said he thought not. Asked Whyte for some paper and a pen and ink, to write down what Whyte had said. Accused said be was too cold to write it—he was shaky—and asked witness to write it, which the latter attempted. Black asked Whyte wbat he bad said to the people, and Whyte replied that he had told them what Black said, that Black gave Streeter £3, and the latter person went away on the Bunday. Miss Annie Uowan, Whyte said, stated, That might be his yarn, but it won’t suit us. . At accused’s request witness aocompaoiei him to Mr Arthur’s place, but that gentleman was not at home. Riding away again they overtook Streeter’s stepson at the hotel. The boy, when first seen, was riding very fast, and galloped through the river. The boy had first gone to the hotel, and then came back and met them, about a chain from the hotel. Heard the fcoy say to accused, The police are looking for father. Black shook his head, nodding towards witness, and the boy was then silent. Accused and witness went into the hotel, and when opposite the bar window Miss Cowan lifted up the window and accused said to her. What’s those yarns ysn’vo bem sprudfog about mot Miss

Cowan replied, I'm spreading no yarns, Mr Black ; if there’s any yarns it came from some of your own men—Parkinson heard it in town and he to'-d me. Accused said, Well, Miss Cowan, you'se will have to pay for it, because I’m going to the authorities to see about it. Then accused went out and rode away in company with the boy. To Mr Rees: On the 30: h March I was at the Te Hau o te Atua station, Mangatu. at the homestead. Grass has been gown there this season before I went there, to my present, permanent situation, Had managed the station for Mr Bloomfield for five and a half years, and knew the country well. Have seen no old camping grounds about the Toromiro bush. Have not been in the Toromiro bush. Accused stated Streeter told him he had ro ceived letters from his brother in Christchurch asking him to go there, but gave no details. Do not know if Streeter had a brother in Christchurch. Had spoken to Black about the rumors on July 10th. The Court then adjourned until 10.30 this morning.