A SHOCKING MURDER.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 56, 4 February 1884, Page 2

A SHOCKING MURDER.

An inquest on the body of Bridget Rice, who was beaten to death by her husband, Charles Rice, at Prahran, on Saturday, January 19, was held by Dp Toul, at the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, on the following Tuesday. The first witness called was Catherine Rice, nn interesting-looking little giil, daughter of the deceased, who gave her age as twelve. She said that on Saturday evening after tea her mother was going out, and her father said she should not go. She would go m spite of him, and as she was going out he rose from the doorstep wliero he was silting and struck her with a heavy piece of quartering, which was used tor fastening the gate. She fell down, and he struck her several times. The witness then called her sister, who screamed, and her father struck h.er also. Edward Rice, the aecqnd witness called, stated, that his father said that a piece of soap was gaol soap, and throw it at his mother. He afterwards heaulliis sister scream, and running m found his mother and sister lying on the ground, and his father with the wood m his hand. The testimony of Edward Scabb, a baker, threw some light on the domestic history of the 1 Rice family. During the last few jears the husband and wife had constant quarrels, owing to Rice's drinking habits. Mr Stabb came on the spot whilst Rice was beating his wife. When he saw Mr Stabb he dropped the piece of wood and came cowards the witness. Upon the latter .asking what he had done, he said h.e would settle them aud brain, him. The witness, however, squared up to Rice and $he latter gave m. Mr Stabb was unable to explain the cause of Rice's conduct to his wife, as she was a most exemplary woman. The jury found a verdict of wilful murder against the accused, who was oqmmitted to take his trial.