THE AUCKLAND MURDER CASE

Manawatu Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 4260, 4 November 1933, Page 3

THE AUCKLAND MURDER CASE

EDWARDS FOUND GUILTY,

Auckland, November 2 The trial of John Hubert EdAvards, aged 41, a labourer, charged with the murder of Mrs Christian Cunningham, at her borne at 111 Crummcr Rd., Grey Lynn, on August 10, aa'us concluded in the Supreme Court. The jury returned a verdict of guilty, Avitli a strong recommendation to mercy. Mr Justice Herd man pronounced sentence of death. During the trial, Avhich extended over four days, evidence Avas given by 20 witnesses, of whom two Avere medical witnesses for the defence and four Avere medical witnesses for the 'Crown.

The jury rtired at 3.30 p.in. and returned at 5 p.m.

During the course of evidence to-day, Dr Buchanan, superintendent of the Auckland Mental Hospital, Avas asked by Mr Justice Herdman: “Did lie strike you as being honest in his answers during your intervieAvs Avith him?” Witness: I did not think his statement that he could not remember certain things Avas honest. His Honour: Would you certify to him being insane? Witness: No.

Dr. C. M. Tothill endorsed Dr. Buchanan’s opinion, and said he thought the accused was neurasthenic. Emotional instability Avas one of the symptoms of neurasthenia, and people so suffering avovc quicker to fly into a passion than normal people. The witness said he had no reason to believe that at the time of the killing the accused did not know Avhat he was doing. Witness thought his acts were conscious acts.

Cross-examined, Dr. Tothill said that if it Avas proved that the accused had suffered from hallucinations and delusions, he Avould haA’c to alter his opinion. Dr. Gribbin and Dr. Tewslcy, medical officer of the Auckland prison, both said they considered that the accused knew what be avhs doing.