PICTON MURDER TRIAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21349, 25 November 1932, Page 14

PICTON MURDER TRIAL

MORE CROWN EVIDENCE

MANY WITNESSES CALLED

TRANSACTIONS BY ACCUSED

[ nv TELKunArn —purrs association ] J3LENHKIM, Thursday Further evidence for the' Crown in the trial of Edward Tarrant, who is charged with the murder of .lames Flood, an old man, at Pioton on November 3, IUSI, was beard in (lie Supreme Court to-day before Mr. Justice Blair This was the third day of the trial.

When Ihe case was resumed to-day Tennyson Connolly, who drove cows daily past the dead man's cottage, gave evidence that he last saw him alive on November 3 about 3.30 p.in. That night about 9 o'clock witness passed the cottage and saw nobody and no light. Witness knew accused and his horse, but saw neither that night. Franklyu James, of Paislow, said he saw the accused about 6.30 on tlio evening of November 3. If the accused said he saw or spoke to witness at 8 o'clock that night it would not be true.

Isaac John Parfitt said lie knew the accused well. On the night of November 3 he did not drive past the Clarendon Hotel, and did not see tlio accused or hear him call to him.

Cross-examined, witness admitted that many people called "Good night" frequently, and lie might not remember an isolated instance. Another taxi-driver was often mistaken for witness. A number of youths gave evidence of being near the Sunday school on the r.ight of November 3, when Tarrant was supposed to have spoken to them, but all denied having seen the accused or his horse.

At tho luncheon adjournment there were 34 more Crown witnesses to bo heard.

After the adjournment tho evidence followed closely that given in tho lower Court. It was mainly technical evidence traversing transactions with tradesmen by accused, the cashing of banknotes similar to those alleged to have been stolen from Flood, and amounts paid to accused for work done. A number of witnesses of this class is to bo. caljui, after which evidence will bo given by Detective Jarrold. The hearing was adjourned until tomorrow morning.