"FIGHTING FOR MY WIFE"

NZ Truth, 7 June 1924, Page 15

"FIGHTING FOR MY WIFE"

Comment On 'Truth's" Caption By Counsel on. Murder Charge. At the final stage m the preliminary hearing of the murder charge against Joseph Barnes m tho Wellington Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, Lawyer Stevenson made another effort to have Mrs. Whali called to give her evidence. Since the adjourned hearing on Thursday last, said Mr. Stevenson, tho newspaper "Truth," with probably the widest circulation of any paper m New Zealand, had featured tho case and headed Its article "Fighting for My Wife." Also placards with tho same inscription had been displayed not merely m Wellington, but right through New Zealand. Tho effect could do nothing but create a prejudice against accused. The evidence for the Crown, tho heading, and placard would givo the impression that Barnes had stolen Whall's" wifo, whereas the Crown had evidence tb negative the idea — evidence that Mrs..Whall had loft her husband a dozen times on account of cruelty, long beforo she over »aw Barnes. Thia was over a period of flvo years. Eighteen months ago, when isho first met Barnes, she was living apart from her husband. j Lawyer Macassey (for tho Crown): I object. j Ills Worship: I rule It is not m myj province to ninlco an order. I can't deal with what a paper has published. You can apply In the higher court. Mr. Stovcnson: I would also mention the fact that Mr. McLaughlin who went to tho house with Mr. Wilson and Whall has not been called. His Worship: Tho evidence seemed to show ho diti not know much about it. Mr. Stevenson: I think tho Court might formally bind over these two witnesses to appear at the Supremo Court; and (turning to Mr. Macagiicy who objected): I think my friend knows why i want to have Mrs. Whull culled. His Worship: I know of no authority. Ido not think there is any m New Zealand. No order was mado. Barnes wa« brought before the Court on this occasion for the bearing of Dr. Hector's evidence (not obtain* able before) and formal evldonco by a pollen photographer. Accused on being questioned said he had nothing to say and was committed to the Supremo Court for trial.