THREATENING LETTERS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10206, 17 February 1919, Page 7

THREATENING LETTERS

AN UNPLEASANT GIFT. CHOCOLATES' SATURATED WITH NITRIC ACID. An unusual, case was mentioned before Mr E. V. Frazer, S.M., on Saturday morning, when a middle-aged man named Richard William Martin, an old resident of tho city, was called upon to answer a charge of sending a letter threatening to kill one Alexander Collins. Mr- F. V. Willis appeared for the accused, and Detective-Sergeant Cox for the prosecution. Mr Willis informed the court that Mr J. J. MeGrath had been retained for the defence, but as ho Was away from Wellington ho understood that the polico would not oppose a remand. Counsel said that Martin had resided in Wellington for twenty-live years, and for nine years had held a responsible position with tho firm of Robert Martin, Ltd. In applying for bail, Mr Willis asked that it bo made as low as possible. It is understood that Martin and Collins were on the best of terms, and there was no danger to Collins if Martin was allowed his liberty. No doubt it would be shown, concluded counsel, that there had been some mistake. Detective-Sergeant Cos said that the charge was a Berious one. and he asked that bail, if granted, should be substantial. Collins had received a number of threatening letters. A: letter to Collins mentioned that his body would, some day, be foiind on the Brooklyn heights. Tho last letter that was received stated that it was the final one, and that Collins could expect something on the 13th. On that day there was delivered to Collins, through the post, a box of chocolates, and the confectionery was found to have been saturated with nitric acid. A bottle containing nitric acid was discovered in the accused's office. Mr AVillis said that the handwriting in tho letters was not that of tho accused, and, in reply to the magistrate, Detective-Sergeant Cox stated that he did not know if there was any doubt as to the accused's mental condition. A remand was granted till Monday, bail being allowed in a sum of £IOO, on tho accused undertaking to keep away from Collins.