THE MASTERTON MURDER.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXI, Issue 195, 10 August 1895, Page 2

THE MASTERTON MURDER.

* THE INSANITY PLEA, [UNITED FBBBB ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Aug 9. At the murder trial, Mr Garvey, the gaoler, said Sommerville was under direct supervision night and day because he noticed something about the mau that he thought justified him m adopting this extreme course. He had not observed any attempt oil the part of accused to feign insanity, but he had a strange manner. He had not shown any violence or misconduct. Prisoner, when first m gaol, paused before answering questions, looked about him and stared. Accused was placed under supervision because he feared he would attempt his own life. The Chief Justico said this evidence showed the man was m his right mind. If a person realises his position it showed he was not insane. Mr Jellicoe said he could quote authorities to show that su'cidal propensity was a symptom of insanity* The Chief Justice : Suicidal propensity for reason is not, suicidal propensity without causes. Mr Jellicoe : I can satisfy your Honor the authorities aro all the other way. His Honor thought it was no use discussing the question now. Mary Garland, of Palmeiston North, gave evidence as to the queer manner of accused, and the drunken habits of his parents. His elder brother was an idiot. SommervUlo was very reserved, and was under the delusion people did not care for him. Other members of the family were not altogether right m their mind. One of the witnesses for the do* fence said that •Sonierville lost a portion Oi his hand through the burst* ing of a quo, and had brooded over it a good deal since. Dr Chappie, who had examined tho prisoner, considered the circum* stances of tho crime strongly indicative of insanity at the time the shot was lived. Ho had fouud .Soniorviila dull of apprehension, very slow m mental processes, and suspicious iv his manner. In cross-examination witness said it would not bo safe ia all cases to say absence of motive was proof of insanity. Mr Chilly quoted the Criminal Code, aud asked whether the prisoner was labouring under natural imbecility or disoaso of mini to such an extent as to make him incapable of understanding the nature of tho act. Witness did not think so, but consciousness that the act was wrong was not inconsistent with loss of self, control. Tho Court adjourned at 5 o'clock. There are still several medical witnesses for tho defence, so that tho case will probably occupy the most of to-morrow.

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