PUKEKAWA MURDER CASE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIV, Issue LIV, 16 November 1920, Page 5

PUKEKAWA MURDER CASE

TRIAL OE THORNE

(United Press Association)

AUCKLAND This Day. Tho trial of Samuel John Thorne, charged with the murder of Sydney Evro, at Pukckawa on August 24th, begap at th© Supreme Court this morning. Mr. J. C. Martin opened, th© case for tho Crown at length, urging as a. rnotiv© for the crime that accused had a strong desire to possess Hi© dead man's wife, while, his monetary position would probably bo considerably improved. Counsel commented upon Airs. Eyre’s movements, and said he thought it would be proved conclusively that, ah© was innomnl. The only other person who would have any motive for the murder was th e prisoner. ,Mr. Martin proceeded to outline tho many facts adduced in th© evidence, which he contended pointed to Thorno -as th© criminal. Mrs Eyre was called and related I tho istory of the murder as told in the Lower Court. She was subjected to a lengthy cross-examination by Mr Winger (for the accused) and was still in the box when the case was adjournled tor tin*, day.

| The Pukeki'.wa, case was continued, this morning. .Mrs Eyre, in answer to Mr Singer (counsel lor accused), Thorn) said that within a few hours of tho shot being fired she believed it was Thorn. Bv the time the police lump she thought Thorn was the only one who could have committed the murder. At first she thought Thorn was a docent fellow, but alter a certain relationship began between them she had nothing hut contempt for him. That was due-lately to his familiarity towards her and partly by his threats. She denied that she ever asked Ihorn ji he could get a divorce, or whether il he could get rid of his wife ho would marry her in the even of anything happening to her husband ?