WEDNESDAY.

NZ Truth, Issue 71, 27 October 1906, Page 5

WEDNESDAY.

When: the Court resumed on Wednesday there was a large number of spectators seekr ing admission to the court, but only a privileged few, m addition to those who were m attendance on actual business, could /gain admission. . ■ Mr. J. C. Gannon (instructed by Messrs. Westgarth and Nathan) announced that he appeared on behalf of Mr. John Norton. SUPERINTENDENT POTTER RECALLED. Cross r examined by Mr. Gannon : Apart from the examination of the body, were you acquainted officially with any of the facts about Grobn's death P— Yes. How long ago P — About two years aagino — m 1904. In what way did you come to be associated with it then? — Mr. Corlette made a certain statement m writing, . upon which Se-nior-Detective Hoskisson made a report, and I furnished that report to the InspectorGeneral. Was it not more than two years ago? — About September, 1904. Could you furnish the Court with the exact date ?— lt was m 1904. I could not give the exact date. Were these statements made by anyone else besides Corlette P— l think by Morris. Did. Morris make a written statement P— l will not say. Could you ascertain later on P— Yes. After - INQUIRY BY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT was any action taken? — No. Mr. Montague: Where is Hoskisson ?— He is on his way here, and left Port Said on Saturday last. The depositions of Francis Cain, undertaker's assistant, were then read over, and he was further examined. Mr. Montague: When I asked you the other day If Mr. Coffill went to the cemetery you said he did not go? — Yes. Witness then explained that it was Mr. Coffill's son who went to the cemetery. They never referred to the son as Mr! Coffill. Fred Coffill was there. Coffill, sen., the head of the firm, was not present at the I burial. Senior-constable A. E. Jones stated that under instructions received on the 6th instant, about midday, he went to the Church of England section of the Rookwood cemetery, and was on duty at grave No. 1958. The surface had not been disturbed for a considerable time, and there were tufts of grass growing on the grave. He remained,, on guard until night, when he was relieved by Constable Holtspaul. Witness on Sunday morning, 7th instant, attended at the grave with Superintendent Potter when THE GRAVE WAS OPENED, and the coffin was placed m the custody of Detective Barman. Constable Holtspaul, stationed at Burwood, testified to his lonely vigil at the grave on the night of the 6th instant, snd saw the grave-diggers on Sunday morning open up the grave. Charles Oliver Kimberley, manager of the Rookwood cemetery, produced a register of the burial of George Grohn on 10th November, 1902, grave number 1958. To Mr. Mant: I believe the same grave was opened on the 7th instant. Joseph Taylor Coffill, m reply to the Acting-Coroner, aaad he carried on business as an undertaker m Harris-Street, Sydney. From instructions received he went to Mr. Norton's residence, "Claremont," at Randwick. The Coroner: On entering the premises you were asked what your business was? — Yes, I don't know who it was asked me. ; Somebody asked you m a brusque manner, what you wanted 1 ? — I said I was the jUndertaker. i Who was there?— -John Norton, and a person named Payne. ;' Who told you to carry out the funeral? hit was arranged between Mr. Norton and Vlr. Payne. I don't remember what was feid. I was asked to carry out a cheap Mineral. ( Mr. Montague: Who is Payne? j Witness: Mr. Parkes I think. He was the nlan who told me to' carry out the cheap fineral. I then went upstairs and • SAW THE BODY. .Ytbett I .was taking the measurement Mr.

■Parkea told me it was the body of George Grohn. Mr. Montague (to tho Coroner): I understand Parkes is m Court. The Coroner: All witnesses must leave the Court. • • Mr. Parkes who was seated close to the

table, rose, and said : "I did not know I was the person referred to." The Coroner: Gentlemen who have not been notified cannot bo expected to remain out of Court. Mr. Parkes: This is the firafc intimation I have had of being mentioned m the case. He then retired ■ from the court. Witness (continuing): Grohn was lying m his clothes on the bed to ail appearances as he had died. , The Coroner: You also got instructions to remove the body that night P-~ Yes, I returned with the body that night. The body was m the same state. My assistants started to undress the body. I know tEe boots were taken off, and they commenced with his trousers as I left the room. Did you see anything of a pair of pyjamas? — The pyjamas were handed to us by someone m the house. When you came back to the roorn^ the body was m the coffin what did you then do?— When THE BODY WAS COFFINED I asked outside if anybody would like to see it before we closed up the coffin. Two or three including Mr. Norton and Mr. Parkes came m and looked at the body. It was then screwed down. I removed the body that night to my rooms m Harris-street; ■Had you any reasons m asking them to view the body?— Just <the usual custom of having a corpse viewed before the coffin is closed up. The funeral took place next day ?— Yes. I did mot go to the burial. My son, Frank Cain, and a roan named uhambourg buried the body on the authority of the certificate produced. It was a public holiday, and we could not get a registration certificate. After burying the body did you furnish an undertaker's certificate to the RegistrarGeneral?— My clerk did that. To Mr. Mant: The amount charged for the burial was £5 5s 6d, including advertisements and was credited m the books to Mr. Norton. Mr. Mant: Do you remember when you went out if anything was said as to the cause o£ death ?— Mr. Parkes said Grohn was a clever man but drank too much, or something to that effect. Did Mr. Norton appear excited ?— Very much. . ' • Did he make any remark about the deceased?—He said, "Don't go to any expense ; put the body m as it is." Did he say anything about his drinking?— ; NOT MR. NORTON. Who gaVe you the doctor's certificate?— Mr. Parkes. Did he. say anything when he handed it to you?— No; I told him we wanted it for burial purposes, and we would return it. The body was m a dirty state. In fact, all bodies are when death is caused by alcohol. Mr. Gannon: How many people were there altogether?— Mr. Norton and Mr. Parkes. There was someone else there. I saw only three people. ' ■ "~ ■ There was no concealment about it?— Not that I know of. Did you see any mark of violence ?— No. You have had the handling of men who have died from violence ?— Yes. You have had the burying of men who have died from drink ?— Yes. This man had a dirty appearance. Did he look like a man who had died from drink? —Very much soj he ha"d all the appearance of it. As far as you can recognise from your experience as an undertaker, did he appear to be a man who wias " LYING AS HE DIED? —Yes. You pufc advertisements m the paper P— Funeral notices inviting his friends to attend. Both m the "Telegraph" and "Herald"?— Yes. Mr. Montague: Do you say you can bury bodies merely on a doctor's^ certificate ?— Yes, we can do that. You know it is your duty to make registrations?— Yes. I don't know that we are not permitted to bury bodies without registration. I gave notice to the district registrar afterwards. »' Joseph Frederick Coffill, son of, and m the employ of, the last witness, said he was present at the funeral of George Grohn. He had no distinct recollection of signing the certificate of burial, but he had no doubt the signature on the certificate was his. Denis Joseph Buckley, clerk to Mr. Coffill, produced an entry book m which there was a record of Grohn's. burial. Witness made out the certificate produced. It was sent to the registrar's, at Randwick. In putting name "J. T. Coffill" it was a clerical error; he should have crossed the T. to make it F, the son's initial. Mr. Montague: Did you get an acknowledgment from the registrar ? — I don't know. We don't attach much importance to acknowledgments. • . Did you write the word "filed" P— Yes. . It was m 1902. WILL YOU SWEAR you did not write it m 1904, two jears afterwards? — I cannot recall the entry. The Coroner: What does. all this lead to? Mr. Montague: There are 'very peculiar ! circumstances m this case, and I think we should have a full explanation about every- | thing. The Coroner: He says lie filed this certificate, and he must have received some intimation from the Registrar. Mr. Montague (to witness): I understand that was supplied two years afterwards?— I cannot throw any more light on it. Erurt Henry Strachan, clerk m charge of the records at the Registrar-General's Office, said he had seai-ched for the original certificate of the burial of George Grohn, but could not find it. He produced a register (No. 137) of deaths on 17tti*November, 1904, by which the death was registered under the signature of John Norton. Mr. Gannon: Did he register it as the landlord of the house P— l presume as the tenant of the house. The section requires that the tenant of a house must register within 30 days?— Yes. If he does not do it within 30 days, so far AS THE LAW IS CONCERNED, it is a mere nullity— that is, so far as your department is concerned, it is useless?— Yes. Edward Morris, was then re-called, and hia depositions given on Monday were read over. The Coroner: You are m the employ of the City Council at present? — Yes. Were you m the employ of Mr. John Norton, at Randwick, m 1902?— Yes. I

knew the deceased George Grohn, he was living at Mr. Norton's house, off and on.. Do you remember the particular time m connection with Grohn's death?— On a certain night m November? Yes. State it m your own way. Witness: On Saturday night, Bth November, Grohn came home about half-past 11, He. came m by the back door. The Coroner: Was anybody else there?— Mr. Norton and myself. Grohn had some pig's tongue and bottled ale, which he had brought m. Mr. Norton said: "There is some beer m the front room. Drink." I was sitting at the other end of the 'table, Grohn sat at tflie corner of the table opposite Mr. Norton, and had a drink. They were arguing. Norton was accusing Grohn. The Coroner: Use the words. Witness did not follow the Coroner's instruction to detail conversation m the first person, and went on to say:— HE TOLD GKOHN that if he had not told Mrs. Norton and Gilbert Smith about his (Norton's) coming out here, they would not have known anything about his coming out Ihere, or anything at all about him. Tho Coroner: You mean his career" and character? — Yes. I said, "Have your drink, and go to bed." He sat there talking and arguing. Norton then got up, filled his glass, walked over, to where Grohn was, and filled his glass for him. The' next thing I saw was Norton with the bottle m his hand. The Coroner: Before you go on, what state were they m ? — They were both drunk. Norton had been drunk for a week. There were five or six bottles on the table. It was no unusual occurrence for them to quarrel?— Not at till. I have seen them quarrel fifty times. Norton bhm. caught hold of the bottle by the neck, and hit Grohn on the head. Grohn who was then sitting on the chair fell forward. I ran round and picked him up ; and sat him m a chair.' I got a glass of whisky, and tried to give him a drink, but he could not take it. He had his teeth shut, and seemed paralysed. He was breathing heavily. When I got him the whisky he SHOOK HIS HEAD. His hands were clenched. I said to Norton. "You are the cowardliest man I have ever seen. This is a nice thing. You are not satisfied with knocking him down twice today but you must assault him to-night again." I tried to get Grohn upstairs. Mr. Norton tried to help me to carry him up, but he was too drunk. So I carried Grohn up myself,' and put him on the bed. Then I brought him up a glass of whisky, and left it on the chair for him. I then went downstairs and got Mr. Norton up to bed. I got up at 3.30 m the morning to givo Mr. Norton his medicine, but he would not take it. I went into Grohn's room, and found him lying dead on the bed. I went up to Mr. Norton's room, and said' to him: "This is a'nioa thing. Old Bismarck's dead." Continuing the witness said that when he called up Mr. Norton at 3.30 m tho morning, telling>him of Grohn's death, Mr. Norton told him not to ring up ,tho doctor before 6 o'clock. The first place that .was rung up at that 'hour was "Truth" office. Witness did not know whether it was Mr. Norton or himself that rang up to the office. At all events, it was under Mr. Norton's instructions that tho office was rung up. The Coroner: Did you ring up the doctor? —No I- think IT WAS MR. NORTON who rang up the doctor. When did he arrive?— About 7.30. I think. <the police were the first to speak to the doctior. Wh<en did the police come?— About the same time as the doctor. Continuing the witness said Mr. Norton was too drunk to do anything when the police came. The Coroner: What did you tell the police and the doctor ?— l' told them that I found Grohn dead when I went up to !his room at 3.30. : ' What did the doctor do?— Just opened his shirt. Ido not. think he put his hand on him. McKee, I think,, touched him. Did the doctor make any. inquiries?— l told '. him .that. I found : hint dead when I went upstairs. ' , Didn't you tell fJhe doctor he had been drinking?— Oh THE DOCTOR KNEW he had been drinking. Had he been attending him, then?— He had been attending him at one time. I 'remember the doctor saying, "If you call up at my place any time after 12 o'clock, you can get a certificate." You were present " afterwards when the undertaker came ?— Yes. When Mr. Norton struck Grohn was what you have already told us all he (Mr. Nor.ton) said?— Mr. Norton said, "You old b d,' or "You old. cow," adding, "You will say no more about me!" Mr. Norton .was very abusive. ■ You say you told Mr. Norton he was a coward, because he was not content with having already knocked Grohn down twice that day ?— Yes, he knocked him down m the kitchen. If I stopped him once, 1 stopped him a thousand times. He treated Grohn more like a dog than a human being. Mr. Gannon: You mean Grohn? — Yes. ' Mr. Gannon (satirically) : The man who had NOT A MARK ON HIS BODY! Continuing tho witness said that Mr. Norton wanted to have Grohn put into the coffin with' all his clothes on, saying, J "That is good enough for him!" Witness, besides protesting against his being buried m this way, went and got. a suit of pyjamas, ■■ and gave them to the undertaker. The Coroner: When Grohn fell from the chair and you picked (him up, did you notice any blood coming from him?— There was a little blood coming from the nose and mouth. Was- he unconscious when you left him m his room with the whisky? — I NEVER SPOKE TO HIM. I did not think he was so bad. Had you seen him that way before?— No. Well, what mad© you think he wasn't bad?— l didn't think ho was so bad at the time. . Mr. Mant then proceeded to put some questions to the witness. "You say," began Mr. Mant, "that at tho time Mr. Norton struck liim he (Mr. Norton) was accusing him of having told Smith and Mrs. Norton something about him ?"— ''Yes," assented the witness. How was Mr. Norton j standing ?— Mr. Norton was standing, pouring some beer out of the bottle, and Grohn was sitting down m front of him. The Coroner: Did he strke him with the side of the bottle?— l could not tell you that. . You say he struck him with the bottle, at a time when he was pouring the beer out of it ? If that is so then he must have turned it round? He would have hold of tho body of the bottle, and to strike him did 'he take hold of it by the neck?— l could not say. Mr. Mant: Was it a hard blow, or was it a light blow? — I could not say. Can you say what part of the bottle he struck him with?— No. Where were Grohn's hands at the time he struck him ? — I DON'T KNOW. I think he had one arm on the table. When he was struck what did he dop— He fell to the floor, face, downwards, and remained there, like that, till I picked him up. Did he make any noise? — He was breathing heavily. He didn't move?— No; I picked him up and put him on the chair again. Did he ever speak afterwards ?— No. [ When did you first notice the blood on him?— l think I noticed it when I was taking him upstairs. Was Grohn a friend of yours?— Oh, I often spoke to him at the office, where I met him coming m and going out of it. Do you say that he was drunk '-hen he came home that night?— Oh, he was drunk pretty well all that day. > Had this altercation been going on at m

tervals all that day?— l cannot say whether J or not it Was the same altercation. THEY HAD A ROW m the afternoon. About the same thing?— l do not know about that. I saw him hit Grohn m the face a hundred times, but I never saw him hit him with a bottle before. How long after you noticed the blood was it that the doctor came ?— About four hours. There was no blood on the bed?— lt was not a streak of blood. Grohn was lying on his back. Were there any bloodstains at jail on the bed?— l could not say. . Did you look for any P— No. Was Grohn a strong man? — No, he was never a strong man. Mr. Norton is not a big manP — He is nearly 12st. How did Grohn compare with him m weight? — I don't Buppose Grohn was more than Bst or Bst 71b. Would you call him a powerful man? — No ; he was very far from what you would call a powerful man. You said he was a German? — Yes. Have you given us THE WHOLE OF THE CONVERSATION you had with Mr. Norton after you told him that Grohn was dead? — As near as I can. : Did he appear to be oppressed ?—Oppressed! Not m the least. What led you to that conclusion? — The way he spoke about Grohn when I told him at half-past 3 m the morning that he was dead, and later on when the police came. What did he say when the police were there?— He said, "Take the old b d's carcase out of this!" . . ■ Did :he express regret m any way, either before this or after P-r-No, he did not. Whom did you first tell about it?— l think Corlette was .the first. How long after was it that you told Cor--16116?—It might have been six months, or it MIGHT HAVE BEEN TWELVE MONTHS. At any rate, you did not tell a single soul for six months? — It might have been more than six months^ I did not tell Corlette. Mr. Norton and I had a row. Then you had a row with Mr. Norton before you accused him of it or told anybody? — Well, we had a sort of barney. j- Just answer my question! You had a row with Mr. Norton before you accused him of hitiing Grohn?— Yes. What did Mr. Norton say?— l said, "If you had your dues you would be m gaol for the death of Grohn." ! What did Mr. Norton say?— He THREATENED TO CALL IN THE j POLICE. I told him that 1" would go for the police, if he liked, and that he would be m gaol longer than I would be there. He then started to cry, and, a little later, he went j home. Was this before Corlette came m? — Corlette was there, writing, at the time. Did he hear what you said?— He couldn't help hearing. I Was Mr. Norton sober?— No. When did you next speak to Mr. Norton? —I told Corlette. ■ Did you ever accuse Mr. Norton again m Corlette's presence or m the presence of anybody else?— Not m the presence of anybody. Mr. Norton, when drunk, often said, "You say I killed George Grohn!" He never spoke of ifc when he was sober. Did he ever m any of these conversations express any regret?— l never at any time heard him express A WORD OF REGRET. Was it you that called up Mr. ParkesP— l never called up Parkes at all. The man that came out from "Truth" office brought him out with him. What time was that ? — About 7 o'clock. Were you speaking to Parkes when he ; was at^Mr. Norton's? — Yes. Did you tell him anything about Mr. Norton hitting Grohn with the bottle? — No. Mr. Gannon: You say it was a man from

"Truth" office* that took out Mr. Parkes?— Yes, I think so. ' ■ . ', . Mr. Mant : How long • have you known Parkes? — About 25 years. • •And you told him nothing about Mr. Norton striking Grohn either then or since?— No. I told him that Grohn was dead when I went upstairs. Did you tell him what he died of ?— No; I told him that I FOUND HIM DEAD when I went upstairs. What did he say ? Did he say that, knowing Grohn's state of health, he was not sur-. prised?— l do not remember that. Did he say anything about his drinking? — I do not think Parkes knew much about Grohn's drunkenness. Did he say anything?— Not that I know of. Parkes might' have seen Grohn passing m or out of "Truth" office once m three or four months. If Parkes did tell yo\i that he was not surprised to hear of the man's death you would remember it P— l /might not. It was three or four' years ago./ Did Parkes seem upset? — I don't know. He was A LITTLE SORRY. * • Did you hear anyone moving about the house after you went to bed ? — No. Being asleep you might not have heard a movement even Jf there was one? — I went to sleep. You don't know what Mr. Norton, for instance, did from the time he went to bed ' till you found Grohn dead m the morning? -No. Did Grohn when you found him m the morning appear to be m the same position that you left him m the night before?— Yes. Mr. Mant having finished with the witness, Mr. Gannon proceeded to cross-exam-ine him. "You say Mr. Norton went to bed about 1 o'clock?" he began. "Yes," replied the witness. ; And you woke him up at 3.30 to give him his medicine?— l got up to GIVE HIM HIS MEDICINE. And you went into Grohn's room and found him dead?— Yes. If ever I gave Mr. Norton a drink I gave Grohn one, too. When you told Mr. Norton that Grohn was dead what did Mr. Norton say?— He said, "Don't ring up anybody before 6 o'clock, and then ring up 'Truth', office. Was Mr. Norton sober then?— He was drunk when he went to bed. Was he drunk or sober at 3.30? — More drunk that sober. What do you mean by that?— Well, he always knew what he was doing. •You say be was drunk that night, and had the beer boMJe m his right hand ?— Yes. And he was serving out the drink to the little man?— Yes. Might it not have been that Grohn was struck by accident ? The "accident of a drunken man falling over the man who was sitting under him?— I COULD NOT SWEAR it was not an accident. Take a bottle and glass, and illustrate how it was done. ■ Mr. King; He says he does not know how

it was done. — Witness: To the best of my knowledge, Mr. Norton was standing over Groton, pouring out a glass of beer. Mr. Gannon: And whether it was a hard blow or a light blow you cannot say?— No. Which end of the bottle did he hit him with?— He had hold of the bottle by the neck, pouring out ttie beer. How was it done? list us know more clearly?— l could not say how it was done. Was there any mark on Grohn's head when ho died?— l do not know. Did you look?— I looked on the skull. Did you look very closely?— l just looked as the doctor was examining his head. Continuing th© witness said Grohn had a goo i head of hair. It was quite AS GOOD A HEAD OF HAIR as his own. Mr. Gannon: Bub you haven't got a champion head of hair. (Laughter.) You say you are working for City Council. In what capaoity?— l am working m the parks. , As an overseer? — No. « As what? — A general labourer. When did you leave Mr. Norton ?— About two years ago last September. Up till then you were on very friendly terms with Mr. Norton?— l do not know about that. You say that you thought more of Grohn than Mr. Norton did?— l say I treated Grohn far better than his friend Mr. Norton, did. You told us that this little diminutive man weighed about BstP— Yes. And do you really tell tfiis Court that you saw this little man knocked down thousands of times? Surely you are as humane as the ordinary man ?— I saved Grohn from Norton : < ■■' ; ■ :• ' .;';;';' ; '*|housa'nds-op times. And Burns, and others too. •■•.•■"■. You were ji servant at Mr. Norton's?— l was eerit out from the. office to look after him- when h© was drunk. v . ■ ;. Was Grohn drunk when he came m this night?— There is no doubt about that. : Were you present when Mr. CoffilL the undertaker, :cameP-T Yes. ' And you have Jbeard his evidence P— No. That Grohn was m a filthy condition when he died?— There is no doubt about that. Did you touch Grohn between the time he died, and the time Mr. Coffill arrived there?— No. Do you' believe, notwithstanding this concealment, that the blow was deliberately delivered ? — I DO NOT KNOW HOW IT WAS DONE. Sometimes when drunk Mr. Norton uses choice expressions?— No, he does not. And he even addressed his friends the same way ? — Yes. \ I suppose you did not believe that the blow from the bottle caused Grohn's death? —Not at that time. ":'.?■ '■■, I suppose you know that a man who helps to conceal a murder is guilty of being an accessory after the fact? Mr. Montague': We do not charge Mr. Norton with murder. Continuing, the witness said he did not say Mr. Norton murdered Grohn. Mr. Gannon: Well, you know it is A CRIME TO CONCEAL ' what you do declare he did?— l tell you I do not know how he died. N Did' you have any drinks thai "day yourself?— No. I never had' a drink m my life at Mr. Norton's house. Was Grohn out that day?— Yes. He would get drunk whenever he could. You saw Dr. Reddall thei'e on Sunday morning? — Yeß. ■ , \ And you knew he had formerly attended Grohn P— l knew he had attended him at "Hastings." . ' . I suppose you are aware that Grohn was a chronic drunkard ?— Oh, I knew he was a drunkard. And, as far as you know, he was a man who was ; m a very emaciated, weak condition by reason of disease and drink?— Oh, Ido not know. He always seemed active enough. He could get about. You could call out to him at 4 o'clock m the morning and get him up. That is, if you HAD ANYTHING ON TAP! (Laughter.) When the police came there did you make any statement to them as to Mr. Norton hitting him on the head with a bottle?— l did not. Or to the doctor P — l did not. Or did you make a statement td anybody m the world up to the time you had a row m "Truth" office?— Yes. ■To whomP-^-Corlette. Corlette heard me accuse Mr.. Norton m the offipe. Mr. King: Why don't ypu answer the question? Mr. Gannon wants to know if you made a statement to anybody at all up to the time you had a row with Mr. Norton m "Truth" office. Did you or did you not? -No. Mr. Gannon; To nobody?— To nobody. Howiong was this after Grohn's death;?— It might have been NINE MONTHS. '\ ■ ; Did you make any statement m writing .to Corlette after the row?— No. I never made any statement m writing to him. " ' ,••" ' Did you make any statement or report at all to Corlette?— l do not know. You made a statement to 'the police?— To McKee. , Do you remember being approached m 1904 by Detective Hoskisson?— Detective Hpskisson spoke to me about it. What time m 1904?— I could not say. Can you tejl me what Hoskisson said to you ? — I was at the Kensington races. He came up to me and asked me to go down and see Sub-Inspector Potter. Did you see Sub-Inspector Potter.?--No, I did not. , Do you know where Detective Hoskisson is now?— l do not. Don't you know that he was here m Court this morning ? — I never heard it. Do you know where he is this moment ? — I do not. - ■ Will you swear that you did not say to him .that there was no truth m the statement that Mr. Norton hit Grohn with a beer-bottle?— l said nothing of the kind. Why didn't you see Sub-Inspector Potter? —Because I did not want to BE MIXED UP IN IT. Were you then m Mr. Norton's employ ?— I could not say whether I was or not. 'Was Corlette "m Mr. Norton's employ at that time? — j do not know. What did you say to McKed on the Sunday morning?— l merely told him that I found Grohn dead when I went upstairs at 3.30 m the morning. You say you saw the police open his clothes? — I think it was the police. And you sa"w the doctor make an examination of the body? — I did not,. Did you see the doctor examine his # h/ead ? — I will swear. the doctor never touched iis head. Why didn't you swear just a few minutes ago that tbe doctor did examine him? — No. The Aoting-Coroner : Yes you did! If you didn't talk so much — if you tried -to reply to the questions put to you and confined yourself to them— you' would know much better what you are saying. Mr. Gannon: With some emphasis you said just now-; — . — I said- — ■. Will you answer my question?— Well I will swear that I NEVER SAW THE DOCTOR EXAMINE . HIS HEAD: (As a matter of fact it will be seen ).y referring back to Mr. Gannon's cross-examina-tion of the witness that he was asked : i: he the witness looked closely for any marks on Grohn's head and that his reply to tins as, "I just looted as the doctor was examining his head.") "V r ell," continued Mr. Gannon, "could the doctor have examined Grohn without you seeing him?' — "I could not say anything as to that." Is it your belief, then, that the doctor did not touch his head at all ? — I will swear on my oath that he did not examine his head m my presence. , If lie had examined it you would havnt

seen it?- v J say I never saw the doctof touch it. Whnt were you doing m the room when the dbcfcor was there? — I was t JUST STANDING THERE. Now, will you not admit saying, just now, that the doctor examined his head ? — I said

I saw the doctor, examining Grohn. Mr. King: You] should be very careful as to what you ar^jsaying, more care/ul than m an ordinary- icase. Mr. Gannon:! What did the doctor do?— Grohn's shirt was", pulled open. What was Bald p— l do not know what was said between the; doctor and the police. I Had you anything to conceal?— The only thing I did not say was that I had seen him. hit on the head, "I SHOTJLD ( HAVE SAID THAT. Perhaps you-jcpulfl not have said it. It is all very well for you to. come along with these things four. years later. What did you tell the police- vand the doctor?— That I found Grohn dead at 3.30 m his bed. ' Did you say tovMcKee, "I put Grohn to bed about 12 o'clock, and he made no complaint to me about being ill"?— The man could not speak .'to make any complaint. Did you say that, or did you not?— l may have said it. ' IV / Will you swearlthat you did not say it?— I will not swear Jit. • ' Did you also iell 1 McKee that you put him to bed drunk as'.'Usjial?— l did not mention anything to McKe'ei about his being drunk. Will you swear ;that you did not say that to McKeeP— l might have said it. Did you alsoasay this to McKee, "The next morning, whjen I went to call him for breakfast—— "—l never said anything ABOUND; BREAKFAST. Will you waitr'until you hear my question and then answer my question? I ask you did you say this'to McKee, "The next morning, when I went, up to call him for breakfast, I found him dead" ? — I dd> not remember it. A,. ■ " Will you swear, that you did not say it?— No, certainly nob* < ■. Mr. Montague , (to Mr. Gannon) : What report (of the proceedings at the Quarter Sessions m the'Crown-Haynes criminal libel case) are you quoting from? Mr. Gannon: Never mind what report it is lam quoting from ! Mr. Mant has the depositions before him, and if I am not correct he will soon> pa^E so. A further remark, from Mr. Montague drew from Mr. Nathan the reply that he was not going to have any insults from anybody. i.?ri: . "THE SMALLER THE MAN," added Mr. Gannon, looking up and down Mr. Montague's ' five-f eet-nothing, "the greater the strife 1" (Great laughter.) v Continuingj Mr. Gannon asked the witness whether he did or whether he did not tell McKee that when he went up to call Grohn for breakfast he found him dead?— I said that when I went up, to him he was dead. ' The Acting Coroner.: You went up to wake him after he was dead? Mr. Gannon: Well, who communicated with the police ? — I do not know. . Did you tell McKee that you communicated with the police?— l did not tell McKee that I communicated with the police. . - ;-Who rang up for the doctor? — I could not scty« „ The Coroner: Didn't you say just now that the police and the doctbr came together ?— To the best of my knowledge „ ... THEY CAME TOGETHER. ''* Mr. Gannon : And now you do not know whether^the police rang up from Mr. Norton's for the doctor? — I do not know. At this stage the Court adjourned" for luncheon. On resuming Mr. Gannon obtained the Coroner's permission to interpose a wit- . ness, .'Superintendent Potter, who stated that m 1904 investigations into' Grohn's death had been made by the police. Mr. Gannon: The officer who made the investigations was Detective Hoskissonp— Yes. Did Hoskisson make any report ?— I think . so. Did Sautelle also make a report ?—Speaking from memory, I think some papers were furnished by the Randwick police before the investigation made by. Detective Hoskisson. At any rate, so far as you know", Saiitelk also made a report? — Yes. Where is Sautelle now? — At Broken Hill. Mr. Montague: Morris denies that he ever made a report to Sautelle. Mr. Gannons Yes, but WHO IS GOING TO BELIEVE HIM? This having completed Superintendent. Potter's evidence, Morris was recalled. Mr. Gannon : Was the doctor there before Mr. Coffill arrived?— Yes. Did the doctor and McKee also sec the body just as ypu found it? — Yes. They saw all that was to be sefin?— Yes. When you were downstairs you offered Grohn a glass of whisky ? — That, was after I picked him up, and before I took him up to his bed. What did Grohn do ? — He motioned me to take it away, or to. put it down. Then you left him a glass of whisky when you took him upstairs ? — I always left him a glass of whisky, or something, for the night. He was a lucky man I When you left that glass of whisky m his room did you do so honestly m the belief that he would drink it when he woke up during the night? — Yes. I suppose you had no misgivings as to his being hurt when, you left him m his room ? —No, ■ ' • I DID NOT THINK he was hurt. Did you notice the following morning whether or not the whisky was touched during the night ?— lt was never touched. How do you know? — Because I no^ced when I went up m the morning that it was ■ just as I left it. I think you told us that yon were the only sober man there ? — I was not drunk. The other two were very much drunk? — Yes, the two of them. They were both drunk. Mr.' Norton had been drinking for weeks and weeks. And the other man whenever he could get it ?— Whenever he could get it. I suppose you always found Mr. Norton very liberal with his drink? — He did not care so long as he got his. That is not the question I asked you. Did you find Mr. Norton very liberal with his' drink?— Yes. I suppose you were rather disappointed at finding m the morning that Grohn had not taken the whisky you left m his room the night before ?— Well, I was disappointed. Yoli put down the whisky for a man whom you say was FROTHING AT THE MOUTH, bleeding, and unconscious, and you were disappointed to find that this mau hadn't drank it?— Yes, I Disappointed, after the condition m which you say that man was? — Y*a; 1 informed Mclvee — - I don't vonb any obta^iaAw.tic, pteafeo.l

Yon, the only sober man, did not tell 'the -1 police anything ? — I did not. ,1 I suppose you know that Dr. Reddall has 1 the reputation, rightly or wrongly, oak ' Randwick way, of being a highly competent ; man?— Yes. j Was GroW at home all Saturday?— Ha v was going out and coming m all day. ; Going out? Where Lo?— To the "pub," 1J ' suppose. , J And I suppose he was drunk all that day?] —Drunk, *J ON AND OFF, all the day. 3 And I suppose I can take it that you havo v seen him when drunk fall down?— l neves | saw him fall down m my life. J Never? — No, never. But that is not to> 3 say he never did fajl down. | Do you remember that nothing at all was 'A said by you as to Mr. Parkes being at Mr. -"I Norton's on the Sunday during the whole ofi 4 your examination and cross-examination &tt « the other court ? — I did not say anything. i As a matter of fact, nothing was said withi j regard to Mr. Parkes till Mr. Cpffill men* | tioned his name here this morning? — Notfc $ that I know of. J You have known Mr. Parkes for some con* | siderable time? — Yes. J He was employed m "Truth" office for) j| some years? — I never knew that. j I SAW HIM THERE; 1 but I never knew him to be working there. A Did you go down to Mr. Parkes' house ort j the Sunday morning?— On the Sunday % morning ? I Yes. Wasn't that tho first thing yoi* 1 did?— Wha* time? } N^ver mind I Did you go down to Mflfc I Parkes* place that morning ?— No. ;| Will you swear tfcat?— Not before ch)s J doctor or police came. M Will you, of will you not, admit that yotfl J went down . to Mr. Parkes' house abouft $ 7.30 *hat Sunday morning?— The doctotf J came about 7.30. • . I Answer the qutestion! Did you go dowA J to Mr. Parkes' house at all?— Not untir 3 the' evening. A In the morning?— No. $ Will you swear that?— l will swear it. J When and where did you first see M 4 -3 Parkes P— At Mr. Norton's J J IN THE MORNING. ,% How was he communicated with? — Whc-t^j ever came out from "Truth" office brought , him out. v* Does he not live Cut that way ?— Well thejj % called for him on his way out. i* You have been friendly with Mr. Parkesgj -Yes. i You admit that during the trial^at Dar^, linghurst you never mentioned his name?- j *.>^ No, I did not. j Did you say to him, "Old Bismarck j*t,j dead"?— When he came to the house, cer*] tainly. 'i You told us that you never said a worc^ to Mr. Parkes about his receiving an iujuryji to his head?— No, I did not. Mr. Parkes was an old friend of yours?-* : Yes. ; • Your relations with him have always beeEfc^ friendly?— Yes. 4 Even up to the present moment?— Yes. i Did Mr. Parkes say, "Well, ( t am noQj surprised at his being dead"?— l do nofcfi remember him raying that. He mighijp have said it. 1 Did Mr. j Parkes go on to say that b&*q cause of his drunken habits he would nottj have been surprised to have hoard of his S DYING ANY DAY?I can't recollect. I cannot say now wua&sl he did say. . J& Can you say what you said to him?— lM never said anything. J Will you swear that you did not say any-»*i thing?— l might have said that Grohn waaja dead when I went up to his room. Jl Well, when you told Mr. Parkes that yotfjl found Grohn dead that morning what^didti he say?— He walked straight up "lntcc! Groan's room. K M That was before Mr. Coffill cam© ?— Houra|| jbefore Mr. Coffill arrived: , 3| X Well, do you know now that it was Mr.[Parkes who telephoned for tho police?— J'i would Hot say it wasn't. 2 ' W#lryou swear .that you did not to Mr %fi parltes' house, between 7 and 8 m the morn-j ingi and call him up?-^ will swear that 'I did not. I was not m his hou^fe. j , WiH you swear m opposition to any ■ •witness that may come forward that yOUaL |w»re not at Mr. Parked housa that-raoi4H jing between 7 , and 8 o'clock ? — lt was nofe ' jjeven— — - , Wellj will you swear that you did not g.o£ ;to Mr. Paries' place ±hat 'morning? — I did : not. . You admit going to Mr. Parkes' placoj that night. Did you when fcheie go up> into Mr. Parkes' room ?— I cannot say. *■ • Who do you say it was came out from? '"Truth" office with Mr. Parkes?— l do notf recollect who it was. I think it ' WAS HAKHY CQBURN. I will ask you again whether you did nofy got admission to Mr. Parkas' house between^ 6 and 8 Vclock that Sunday morning, and go straight up to hjs room saying, "Oldf Bismarck's dead!"— l will swear that I didfe" not. '>-, How many people were at Mr. Norton'^ house that day ?— The sergeant (McKee)V another constable, the doctor, Mr. Coffill] Parkes, and^rl think— Coburn. You cay you never touched the body froxal the time you found the man was deaflr*-^" No. . ;« You left it just as it was lying? — Yes. U And that they all saw^ the body just as yoti( found it?— Yes. ' <N I want you to be sure about that. Dd you wish to correct yourself ?— No. 5 You never touched Grohn's body or hia .clothing?— No. , \ There is no doubt aTsout that ?— No doubj at all. ' " And that m all fir© or six men saw tinjj body j,ust- as you found it? — Yes, FIVE OR SIX. ' You also said here this morning that MrL Norton when drunk was m the habit ofl saying, ' v; "I BILLED GROHN"?- , No, I said that he said, "You say I killed Grohn." Did you see any police officer with regard to tiie affair other than McKee or Hosi kisson? — No, not that I recollect. Didn't you say this to any police officer, "On the morning of the Saturday previous to his death I gave him £1 to purchasd groceries"? Is that correct? — I gave hixa £2. .■ .'. / J : But did you say that to any police officer^ —I might have told somebody that. ; Did you tell Ctorlette, or any police offi^ cer, that Grohn remained away all day, and returned without the goods or money?— l think he brought the groceries with him. < Did you say that to anybody ?—X cannoC recollect. •: Will you swear you did not ?— Certainly not. : Did you also say this to any police ofiw ocr "About 1 o'clock on Sunday morning, I told Grohn to go to bed ."—I said thai all through my evidence. Just listen to me! Did you tell any police officer thai, after you told him to go M , bed, HE WENT UPSTAIRS ALONE ?- I did not. Will you swear you did not?— To tho besS of my knowledge I did not. Did you also say tins, "There had been no altercation between Mr. Norton and Grohn?" — I never said there was or wag not. Did you say that to a police officer, or to* anybody else?— No. I tried to shield Mn Norton all I could. . J • It looks like it now ! Did you also say this to any jpolioe officer: "Grohn had no fall to /my- knowledge on the day previous to his death" ?— Neither ho did. Did you say that ? — I said it to the doctor and McKee. "On the day previous ie his death." Didiyou also say thai Grohn. cjLmo to vou 1 early m the morning iislcii!:; >■..•! ru drink, that you gave him «.::_•■.: •,vL»6n i v ia i a cup, and told him J Ir— NOT TO DISTURB YOU AGALV 3 — I I loft some whiiskv :r ;i* n;o.'n. P . TH* Gototrtiri A'tiMtit Hut t]ttw<kiiJhi tUjJ {

ybu tell anybody t? at or did you not ?— No. Mr Gannon : I£ you told anybody shat it would be a If? ?— Yes. And you did not i;ay it to anybody ?— No, I did no1;Did you say this «t> anybody, "At 8.30 I went into (hrolm's bedroom, and round him dead ''"— No. ' Will you swear thfi you never said it ?— No. I did not. You say Dr. Reddall was there on Sunday morning before 8 o'clock ?— Ye?. And McKee was also there about that time ?— Yes. ' i Did *-ou tell McKee that Grohn | went upstairs alone ?— No, I did not. Will you swear that you didn't ?— No, I said that 1 carried him upstairs. Will you swear that you did not say that he went up alone ?— I will. . A little while ago there were certain proceedings between two rival newspaper proprietors, Mr Norton and Mr I-lavnes. Can you tell me who first saw you m connection with the matter out of which those proceedings arose ?— I saw CHARLES J. HAYNES. That is Mr Haynes, junr. ?— Yes. Oh whose invitation was it that you saw him ?— On my own. (Laughter.) I often go m and out there. For how long have you been doing that ?— For the last 12 months. You recognise that Mr Haynes made • a statement m all good faith on information given to him by you ?— Yes. That is what you believe .I— Yes. Did you make any statement m .writing; to him ?— No. How lonir afo was it thaA you first spoke to Mr Haynes about this matter ?— About 12 months a»'4o. Before the publication of this particular article ?— Loinr before. You had supplied Corlette with certain information ?— When was that ? After you left Mr Norton ?— I never saw Corlette for a lone; time after I left "Truth" office. All I told him was when I WAS AT THE OFFICE. Do you know wh^n the matter was . . first 'placed m tho hands oi' the police? —1 have no idt-a. 1 think Superintendent Potter said it was m September, li*o4. Do you know that Corlette had repealed or distributed this statement among certain public men m- this city before that ?— The only time I heard " anything of it was when Detective : Hoskisson came to me.' You say Detective Hoskisson did not ask you a word about it ?— No, he simply said that Sub-inspector Potter wished to see me. Did you know what he meant?— .Yes. Why didn't you go ?— I don't knowAnd all the coxmnunication you made up to the lame of this charge was to Corlette ?— I told ili to others. Who were they ?— HannaSord, ■. Sam Bowen (the tailor), and NILAND (THE SOLICITOR) Continuing, the witness denied that he knew Oorle.tte ever made a statement. Mr Gannon : Did you before you gave evidence at Darlinghurst / the other day give a statement m writing to anybody ?— -Yes. To whom ?— Mr Montague. That was the first statement you . ever made m writing to anybody ?— ,Yes. "-.. . Do you know what a sworn declaration is ?— Yefj. Did you ev^r make one I— Yes, to : Mr Montaguo. >; What was the date of that ?— Oh, would be two or three months "ago. Was it -after the, article appeared ? —Yes. Whom did you make it before?— Before, a Justice of the Peace. . Do you remember what it was ?— • lYes, pretty well. Mr Gannon resumed his seat with .the remark that he would" have some further questions to . ASK THE WITNESS DIAiTER ON;, Mr Mant followed with a second jseries of questions. "When you were describing; the . folow," he began, "you said that you told Mr Norton, he was the p-reatest coward you ever saw"?— ."Yes." •> You said that to the Cjbroner ?— • .':' Well, there is scant-thing I do not understand. When you called Mr (Norton a coward was that in'reference to Vac blow he had just struck ■:- Grohn ?— Yes. Why did you Call him a cowiard ?— Becau.se he had just hit Grohn after ;, knocking him down twice that day. Then you wexe referrim* to the two Wows m the day and the blow at ■bight ?-Yes.. You also said you did not know iwhether the blow at night was accidental or intentional ?— I DO NOT KNOW. Then, if you did not know, why, did Ku call him a ooward if ybu did not ow whether or not the blow was , accidental ?— I was thinking of what bad taken place during the day. But if, as you say, you did not know whether or not the blow you had just seen Mr Norton give Grohn was accidental or intentional, ! how could you concifcde Mr Norton was a coward ?— No answer: And if there v/as any blood coming Irom the nosevor moath they would have seen it ?— I saw it that night. Would they have seen it that morning or that day ?— I do not know afcout the morning. If you never touched the body .would not the blood, if there was any, be there, either fresh or cony gealed, and would not the others ,who saw the body have seen it ?— I jdid not say the blood was pouring . v from him. You will not answer the (question ! lAt all events, you say that you never touched the body, and that all the persons named saw it just as you found it f— Yes. You say that your attitude towards Grohn was A VERY SYMPATHETIC ONE. If that is so, didn't it occur to you vXthat you might 'have taken off his clothes, or at l&xst his boots, when you took him up to his room ?— I - didn't think it was my place to do So. You didn't think it was your place to do so ?— No, I thought it was the Undertaker's place to do that. I am speaking now of the night when you took the man up and threw him on the bed. You are a man, I take it, with the or*tea*y instincts

of humanity, and didn't it occur to you that you might have performed that service for him, particularly sinoe your attitude towards him was a sympathetic one, and you saw the condition he was m ?— I. did not throw him on the bed. You will not answer my question !. You say you did not throw him on the bed. Then you put him to bed leaving him bleeding and frothing— ? -Oh . You say he was frothing from the mouth, and bleeding from the nose and mouth. Yet that was the man you left / THE GLASS OF WHISKY ; for. Is that so ?— Y e s. . * I do not suppose it would have been too much for you to have taken off his boots and clothes ?— I have

DETECTIVES FULLEItTON & BANNA] seen him lie down hundreds of times — Is that any reason \yhy this man m this terrible stale of distress should have been left l there like that by " you on / this occasion ?— I have seen him lie. down .like.* that- hundreds of times. l 0 .-.. Can you clearly recollect what you said, to Dr. Heddall..i\vhen he arrived at Mr Norton's 7-^1 ••'•■have a pretty fair recollection. What was it you .said to him ?— I told him that I foiintl him dead m the 'morning, i thinjc|,that is all. When you got upyfp/ breakfast?—* When I got up about 3.30. , Did you, tell huiulhaj; ?— Yes. ■ Of '■■ course \ you . h|HBS fottiirig to conceal ?~f suppose' i#(ws|uld, have ', . BEJSIN, BETTEI^Mr .MYSELF if I hadridt conceM^# t fanythin|T. ; ; ;'; ' is^Dr. Reddall's|Mpe far away ?-- I ; could not tell yotf^here he lives/ Did 'you- not knoMi' that he was connected' by telepj£sto with Mr Norton's house ■ ■?— Yesyi^y • ■ -. Had- yo'ii some 'd^lgreemeiit with. Mr Norton ?— I M&Mo disagreement with- him. •; ■ "'w ; . ■<.'.*. ■ How many years^avc you been with him ?-- Four, ojfesfriye: " ' .'• ; When' did you lea|le|him ?— I left m September, 1904. :.*-§■ \ : Awl, you, told Corietle about Grohn bemp: struck witi#the bottle six month's 'after it^iSappened,?— I did not. tell him six mp^h's after. .Well, when you cfttfrronted Mr Norton : jn. . Corlette'^presence ?— That might have been. 'jn-nie, months after the night' the thin^J occurred. That was-, the lirst^ thing done ?— . Yes.: -. ■ -• ..{;,#. . . . ■ ' Then it was r^', 1 AFTER YOU A ; Njt) CORLETTE left Mr ' Norton's {'employ • that Corlette ;inade : that"' .statement ?—Gorlette; raever told me that \e made any stia'temeiit. r ■ ' ! Doln'ti you know that Corlette made a statement; or declaration,?— l know nothing whatever about it. "' Contiiiumg, ttie witness said that wien, Detective . Hosldsson spoke to hini, he said it was m connection With Grohn 's death, and asked him to so to Sub-Inspector Potter. Mr Gannon : And after promising to go to sub-Inspector Potter you did not go ?— I did not. .Corlette and you had spoken together a good deal ?— When ? * After you left "Truth" ?— I do not think I spoke to him more than four times, SINCE WE LEFT "TRUTH." When Corlette left "Truth" what employment did he go to ?— I don't know. You say you were working for Mr Norton for about four years. How long had you been connected with him ?— Seven or eight years. Looking after him, and at the office ?— Yes. You did anything he required ?-r-In the way of looking after him. You say you had no serious disagreement with him before you left ? —I never spoke to him when I was leaving. Mr Norton had some disagreement

SENIOR-SERGEANT McEEE. with his wife some time back ?— Yes. They became reconciled ?— Yes. then he turned on you ?— He never turned on me. Did he not begin to take certain proceedings against his wife ON YOUR WORD ? —No, he did not. DM you attempt to put something into Mr Norton's head respecting his wife and a certain journalist ?— I said that mmy evidence. That is the only timeWhilst he and his wife were estranged had you the sole control of his house at Randwick ?— Mrs Norton came Answer the question ! Had you the sole control of Mr Norton's house when he and his wife were estranged ?— No, Grohn had. Hadn't you ?— Sometimes I stayed there. There was Mary Burns, and Grebn, and-**

You ?— Yes, at times. Mr Norton eventually joined his wife, and they made up all their past differences ?— As far as I know. And Mr Norton told you that you WERE A BLACKGUARD for trying to put him against his . wife ?— No. At any rate, during the time of the estrangement you had control of the house ?— At times. Of course, when Mrs Norton was there you had no authority, and were of no consequence ?— I never did have the handling of the money. Not at the house. Why, were you not the financier the day Grohn died ? Didn't you give him some money to go out and buy groceries, which he spent ?— That is quite true. . ■ . And didn't the part you were playing with regard to Mr and Mrs Norton eventually lead to a difference between you and him ?— I never had* A DIFFERENCE WITH HIM. Have you not sworn this morning to havino; a row with him, during which you charged him with hitting Grohn on the head with the bottle? —I mean since I left him. ; The row m the 'office. arose through : your being annoyed at Mr 'Norton swearing at you ?— No, I never heard 1 him —-.■■ •■ ,V .- : .;■. •-..' ■. •: ..■'•,,■ ,--, : - Did you use these words m, giving evidence at Darlinghurst : *'He came into the office drunk, and swearing at one thing and another" ?— I said he was abusive. ..,'. ;: -. And you told him he ought to he m gaol,' 'for the first - time ?— The witness, when at length he was got to. reply to this question, said that before this he had accused Mr Norton privately of hitting Grohn with the bottle. . . ■ When" you went to Mr Norton early m the morning, saying, "This is a nice thing you have done now!" what were yon referring to ?— I though t the blow might have been the cause of the man's death, , Can You form an opinion as to how the blow was delivered ?— No, it was done too quickly. Did Mr Norton hit him or did he not ?— There is no doubt m the world about' it.' ' ' '.',', • You say you heard ' Mr .Norton, and Grohß, disputing, ,that' you.saw. saw .Mr Norton -raise.the. bottle to hit Grohn, and that you rushed to . stop him ? Is •that so ?— Yes. ■; v^ , v v - V^To stop him." What did you mean, by that ?— I thought he ■^ MIGHT Hit HIM AGAIN: '. ;;. : ':.. ; Was it then' that Mr* Nortbn said, "You' won't tell anybody about this again' v ?— Something like 1 that, ■ Was it then you called Mr. Norton a coward ?:- Yes, I, did. .. ■ ' . Examined by. Mr, Montague, the witness next went. on to say that. Grohn was about .s£t. 6in m height, and, thai. Mr Norton, he estimated; was about the same height.Mr Montague : Was it an empty bottle with which Mr Norton struck him ?— There wasnit. much left m it, at any. rate. ; „' , ... ; ' , : • • Continuing, ' the " witness^ said that' afterwards Mr .Nqrton put (-the;:. bottle: back. on the, table.'.: Witness ihad been m the employ of the City Council 19 ; or : 20 months. He wasnone . of six se- ' lected out, of something iike''-^;~'tnbti- : : sand applicants: ' •■■• v : ;= '. Mr Gannon: How many thousand '{ did you say ? (Laughter.) , •■••• ',;■; ,Mr ,;Manji; (likewise, to Mr Mpnta.-| giie) : Were y_ou one 'oi" them ? (More* laughter.). . , - : ' " ; Continuing the witness said that the reason why he left "Truth" office was because. the manager wanted to reduce his wages. He had to . work nearly ninety; hours a week. On Sundays he worked 25£ HOURS; AT A.STRETCH. He was , getting £2 5.s a. week , with an allowance of 2s for. Sunday meals. The manager then came to him, saying he was to. have noising for Sunday meals, and that his wages were, to be reduced to £2 2s a week. > Wit- ; .ness told the \ manager to take a . week's notice there and then. Witness did not see Mr Norton m the matter. Mr Montague : As a matter of fact, you were on very friendly terms with Mr Norton at that time ?—(Hesitatingly) Yes. You were often out at his place ■?— Well, they sent for me whenever he was drunk. I was the only one that could handle him. With this, the witness, for the present, stood down. The next witness was Frederick Parkes, a horse-trainer and breeder. Witness said he remembered Sunday, November 9, 1902. He went to Mr Norton's that morning "between 7 and 8 o'clock. Morris came to his place for him. Witness was m bed at the time. Morris told him that Grohn was dead, and witness, m reply, said he was not surprised. Witness then got out of bed, had a wash, and went over to Mr Norton's with Morris. Mr Norton was the only other person at the house. Ma: Norton said to witness, "OLD GEORGE IS DEAD," and with that they went upstairs. The Coroner : Did you see Grohn's body ?— Yes. Did you notice anything about it? —In what way ? Did you notice any blood ?— No, nothing at all. He had his clothes on. Were there any signs of blood or marks about him ?— No, he was lying there just like any man that had passed away peacefully. Was he lying on his back ?— He was more on his side than on his back. Continuing, the witness said he then went upstairs, and rang up the police. After ringing-off the police, he rang up Dr. .Reddall. The police came first. They were waiting for the doctor, who was rather a long time coming, with the result that he was rung up a second time— in this instance, by the police. From what witness heard of the conversation between the police and Dr. Reddall over the telephone he understood they, the police, were GOING TO WAIT THERE. The Coroher : What time was that? —It was about 9or 9.30 when the doctor came. The police were there before the doctor ?— Yes. What took place m the room when the doctor came ?— The doctor walked over to the bed. I have already said that Grohn was lying a little on his side. The doctor took his head and turned it over. Or, rather, he twisted his head about. He also undid his shirt, pulled it up around his body . I and examined the body. He also un- |

did the trousers. The doctor then went downstairs. Did the doctor ask Morris anything ?— When the doctor first came, he asked Morris about him. Before he went upstairs ?— Yes, and Morris said then when he went up to call him Tor breakfast he found him dead. Did you hear Morris tell the constable anything when he came ?— Yes, he had previously told the constable THE SAME THING. Anything else ?— After the doctor the police, and I went downstairs the police and the doctor had a conversation. The sergeant asked the doctor if there war; any necessity for him to wait. The doctor told him there was not, and he also told me to come round that afternoon and get a certificate. Then I rang up Mr CoffiH, the undertaker, and I waited till he came. When Mr Coffill arrived Mr Norton wanted to have a cedar coffin. I told him there was no occasion to go to that expense, and I also told Mr Coffill that a plain, black coffin would do. I asked Mr CoffiU if he would, take the body away TO HIS MORTUARY that night and bury it m the morning. He told me to have the certificate there, and he would do this. I went up m the afternoon and got the certificate from Dr. Reddall. The Coroner (exhibiting a death certificate) : Is this it ?— I could not tell you. I have had very little to do with funerals. At all events, you got the certificate ?— Yes, and gave it to Mr Coffill. What state was Mr Norton m ?— Mr Norton had been drinking. Was Morris sober ?— I do not think Morris was drinking. I do not think he was drunk. But I have seen Morris drinking, like others. Mr Norton was not drunk. He had been drinking the night before. He knew what he was doing as well as I did, or Morris, or anybody else. Is that all that took place ?— Yes. Cross-examined by Mr Mant, the witness denied that he had gone by the, name of Harry Parkes. Mr. • .Mant : Have you a brother named Harry ?— Yes. Where is he ?— He has got A SHOP IN OXFORD-STREET. 'Was he at Mr Norton's place onSunday, the 9th, or the night before ?— I could not say about the night before.; He was at Mr Norton's place at times. Does your brother live with you ?— No,' nor never did. Did Mr Norton say anything to you as to how Orrohn's death occurred ?— Not a word.Did Mr Norton at any time tell you anything about an altercation or a beer ' bottle ?— Never m his life.

D. O. KIMBERLEY. J. T. COFFILL. The first I heard of anything of the kind was when Detective Hoskisson came to me, a couple of years ago, and I told him exactly what I am telling you here to-day. Are ' you friendly . with your brother ?— Most decidedly I a,m. . I bought him. a shop about 12 weeks ago. '..■'..' Did you go to Hoskisson, or did Hoskisson come 1 to you ?— He came to me. From the state of health Grohn was m. together with his drinking bouts, three-parts of Randwick expected the man to DIE AT ANY MOMENT. He was a confirmed drunkard 1— Yes. . __ . Did you say anything to Morris about his death ?— No ; I never spoke to Morris m my life about his death. Mr Montague also cross-examined the witness. "Are you a friend of Mr Norton? he asked. "Yes," replied the witness. The witness added that all the same his friendship for Mr Norton did not prevent him from speaking the truth m the evidence he was now giving. You say Mr Norton wanted to order a cedar coffin ?— Cedar or oak. Goldmounted ?— You are going to extremes. No. You were there all day on Sunday? -Yes. Were you there when the police were there ?— I was. When McKee was there I— And before he came. Did you hear Mr Norton tell McKee to "take his carcase out of this" ?— I did not. Mr Norton was ABUSING THE SERGEANT. What did he want to abuse the sergeant for ?— They had a row, or some altercation, years before. Do you know if the trouble wasn t because McKee wanted to prosecute Mr Norton for misbehaving outside the Bowling Green ?— No. If you want to know, I will tell you what the trouble really was". Oh, never mind ! Were you ever m any trouble yourself ?— Never m my life. Never ?— Never. You are about a good deal with Mr Norton ?— Not this last twelve months or two years. You were at Darlinghurst at the trial ?— I was there on Thufsdaf afternoon for half-an-hour. Is that all ?— Absolutely. Where were you living; m November" 190-2 ?— ln ''The Towers," next to the A.'J.-C. Hotel, about three-auai-ters of a mile from Mr Norton's. You say that Morris came over to your place ?— Yes, m the .morning. Is there a telephone to the A.J.C Hotel ?— I don't know.- I never went m there. What ! Never ?— At any rate, .it was riot a place I was m tlie habit OF RESORTING TO. I might have been m there. But I knew nothing as to whether there I was a telephone or not.-

Why did Morris come to you ?— For advice. We were always mates together. He also knew that I was friendly with Mr Norton. Was "Truth" runs "P that morning ?— I do not know. Did you stay all day at. Mr Norton's ?— I did not leave there till af-

ter the coffin was taken away. Me Norton then came down with me to my house. ; He was pretty right then ?— -He was pretty right all day. He was not excited m the morning ?— Only with McKee. Were you at. the trial when McKee gave his evidence ? — No. I suppose ■ you have read McKee 's evidence ?— Yes. Do you want to suggest that what McKee said was not true ?— I am not bothering my head about McKee or anybody else. I did not even know I was to be called as a witness here to-day. It was only OUT OF CURIOSITY as well as through. an appointment with a friend, that I happened to come up this way. Tha mention of my name m Court was the first intimation I goi; that I was to give evidence. ' ' . Were you not standing m the doorway there, -listening". -to" Morris' evidence ?— No. I could not hear Morris' evidence, nor did i.i: wish to hear it. "Let me, after this savage, crossexamination, ask 7 you. a cniestion," said Mr Gannon to the witness amidst considerable laughter. "Have you known Morris 'for a long time ?" asked Mr Gannon. • "Yes,'' replied the witness. "I knew Mm. before ever he had anything to do with "Truth" office and ; : ,"• IT WAS THROUGH ME that Mr Norton 'employed him. Were you. oh intimate terms with Morris ?— Yes, we were always knocking about together. , Exchanging . confidences ?-» Yes. Did he ever open' his"' lips to' you m his life about GrotiYi being hit with a bottle ?— Never. . The first- I heard of this was when Detective Hoskisson spoke to me. That-; was absolutely the first time. I v told .him exactly whwt I am telling you here to-day. In fact, I also - told 'Hoskisson, I think, where he would' ;find Morris. I said he was but at the :, Kensington' Races, and it. was. there., I believe, he saw brim. '.■'■)/■: : ' \ Have you had, any; conversation with Morris since then about the matter ?-NoV ■'.' -. ■■'"■'.'■W:: ; rvV-.V • -v:. r , ;:■;■.; : ■ When you saw Grohii was there any blood on his lips ;> or elsewhere ?— No. Any froth on his lips ?— No. He looked as . ' IF HE WERE ASLEEP. Mr Gannon having resumed his seat, Mr Montague asked . the witness a fur* ther question with regard to McKee and Mr Norton. ~ "You say," said Mr Montague, "that Mr Norton was abusing him?" "Yes," replied the witness. ■ What did Mr Norton say ?— Oh, I can't tell you. every thing he said. But you must ?-^vEell you everything ?— Why, any' person with' a little common-sense . But I haven't got a little commonsense.—No, to tell you the truth, Mr Montague, I didn't think you had much. (Great laughter.) Continuing, the witness said that one of the remarks he remembered Mr Norton making at the time he ivas abusing McKee was, "This tried to gaol me at Arm i dale." Mr King : When Morris went down to your place that morning were you the "first person who saw him ?— Ye?, he had the run of the house, and he came STRAIGHT UP INTO MY ROOM He was with you m the room ?— Yes, for about ten minutes. You do not know whether anyone else saw him there ?— I could not say. . . At this stage the inquiry was adjourned till 12 o'clock on Friday. The inquest was concluded on Monday. One witness swore that Morris had proposed to him, m revenue for his (Morris) being turned out by Mr Norton, to conspire with him to charge Norton with the killing of Grohn. Mr Norton repeated his own denial of having m any way injured GroWn. The Coroner stigmatised the evidence of Morris as unreliable, and decided that there was not sufficient evidence to show of what the man died.