ALLEGED THREAI TO KILL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIII, Issue 120, 22 May 1919, Page 4

ALLEGED THREAI TO KILL

A PECULIAR CASE.

BOX OF CHOCOLATES AND NITRIC ACID. (United Press Association) WELINGTON, This Dav. At the Supreme Court a case is being held in which Richard William Martin is charged with, having sent letters containing threats to kill Alexander tol)ins. With one letter was sent a tox of chocolates said to contain nitric ae;d. The letter extended the best wishes to .Collins, and asked hun to give some ot the chocolates to his wife. Later, it is alleged, detectives _ found, a bottle of nitric acid on a shelf m ac cused’s office. , , _■ Accused said the acid was for testing PU (Sns, under cross-examination, said he and accused were still employed' bv the same firm, and their relations were friendly. When witness received the last letter, accused advised him to see the police. The condition and smellof the chocolates when received were such that no adult would thmk of eat* ihg them. Some of the letters had Iren Posted, and others left on the cointer in the shop. Witness’ wife bad bt,en ill for some time, and required special medicine, which accused used to get for him. and, therefore; if accused wanted to do harm, he could have, done it m that way. The case is proceeding.