CHARGE OF MURDER

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7871, 5 August 1911, Page 1

CHARGE OF MURDER

KINGSLAND SENSATION MRS O’SHAUGHNESSY COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. 7 PBEBS ASSOCIATION. AUCKLAND, August 4. Tho trial of Martha Jane O’Shaughnessy for tho murder on or about Juno 14th of Elsie Alexandra Holland was continued at tho Police Court to-day. Tho principal evidence was given by Allred Edward Williams, assistant barman at the AVaveriey Hotel, who said that in tho evening, about half-past 8 o’clock, he met a friend, Miss McDowell, and they went to O’Shaughnessy’s. They arrived there between a quarter to 9 and 9 o’clock. They entered through tho hack door and went to tho back bedroom. Ho then heard a noise like a moaning noise, which appeared to come from tho front of the house, seemingly inside) The moaning continued, and presently he hoard someone say, “She’s dead.” EXAMINATION BY COUNSEL. Air Singer: Did you tell the detectives whan you’ve told to-day 1“ Witness: No. Did you' tell them what you told at the inquest ? Some of it. . . Is some of what you said at the inquest untrue ? Yes. How many statements have you made to tho police? About two. About two? Tho last one I added a bit more on to. When was that? About a fortnight ago. A WITNESS’S RETICENCE. In cross-examination by Air Alays, witness said he was never threatened by the police. He withheld the whole of his knowledge from the detectives ou the first occasion because he did not know what to say. He was afraid- of exposing AXiss McDowell, tho lady who accompanied him to the house. Accused, who reserved her defence, was committed for trial. Tho charge against Airs Jane Burns Hartley, Airs Alar;' Hassell, and James ’Edward O’Shaughnessy have been -reduced to that of being accessories after the fact.