THE CAIN MURDER CASE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume IX, Issue 1534, 25 January 1887, Page 2

THE CAIN MURDER CASE.

PEE PRESS ASSOCIATION.),.

DUNEDIN. January 24. Hall trial commenced this morning. Chief Justice May, of South Australia, was accommodated on the bench. The court was crowded. Ten jurors applied to be let off; seven succeeded. Messrs. Haggitt and White appeared for the Crown ; Messrs. Chapman and Denniston for the prisoner. Each challenged three. Mr. Haggitt, in opening, amongst other things, said he would endeavor to show the facts were similar in this case to another case of attempted poisoning. Mr. Chapman objected, saying at the proper stage he would contend such evidence inadmissable. His Honor thought it undesirable to mention it; and, upon Mr. Haggitt urging he was justified, said there was no need to discuss the point, as he was satisfied bis ruling was correct. Mr. Haggitt, in conclusion, said the duty of tbe jury was simply this : If after bearing the evidence they were satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that,prisoneronly could have administered noxious drugs which caused Cain's deatb, thej must find him guilty; if, on the other band, be had reasonable doubt that he administered such drugs, prisoner waß entitled to the benefit of tbe doubt.

January 25.

In the Hall case, Myles Knubley, solicitor, gave evidence as to poison, trust settlements, etc. F. LeCren was also examined. Mrs. Wren and Mrs. New- - ton being unable to attend, their depositions were taken and read. Mr. Jackson gave evidence as to making an invalid chair for Captain Cain, and to Hall remarking that the captain would not live 7 long. G, W. Gardner gave evidence as to offering his house to Hall. On leaving Hall said : " I have been enquiring for a house, but to tell you the real truth I do not want to get one, becau.=e the old man will be dead in a day or two, and we shall be getting his house. The court then adjourned.