THE AUCKLAND MYSTERY.

Marlborough Express, Volume XVII, Issue 298, 21 December 1882, Page 2

THE AUCKLAND MYSTERY.

(united press association.) Auckland, Deo. 21. The body of Hamilton and of the child were exhumed, but no traces of poison were found m either, but the injuries to Hamilton's head were found much greater than previously supposed. The result of the autopsy will, it is said, add to the painful interest attaching to the case. The following additional particulars are supplied by the " Post's" Bpecial correspondent : — Prieatley was not a " student for the ministry"; he was merely prepariag for an "arts" examination, condi

tional to entry upon ministerial training, c Priestley appeared a mild'tenlpered and i apt young man, whom one would look c upon as the la«t person who would be j guilty of such a crime at that with w hich he now stands charged. la one of his 1 discourses to the Sunday school, how- 1 ever, he told the boys that m his un- I regenerate condition he once felt impelled ' to join the Kelly gang. When charged i at the Police Court on Saturday Priestley : wan pale, but perfectly calm and collected and he met the gaze of the crowd unflinohingly. He has regular and well- i defined features, clear complexion, and a ' firm and resolute expression of face, ' while •' hia figure is rather above the : average stature of men ; his bair : was uncombed and clustered about his forehead, though not m slovenly ; fashion. His upper lip and cheeks were clean-shaved, but lie wears a bushy goatee beard. He was dressed m rather a loose pair of dark tweed trousers (similar to those m the possession of the police) and blue serge sac coat, buttoned well up to the chin. He exhibited no discomposure whatever, nor any affectation of indifference. The female prisoner was, however, obviously unwell, and after the charge had been made she was accommodated with a seat. Her outward dress consisted of a light tweed ulster with black collar, and ' on her .head was a little black toque with veil tied round and fastened behind. She has a prominent nose and high cheekbones, while the mouth is depressed, as if some of the front teeth were gone. She made no visible show of emotion. The case was remanded till next Friday, when it is doubtful whether the police will be ready. Bail was applied for, but refused.