The Wanganui Alleged Manslaughter Case.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 4999, 13 June 1891, Page 1

The Wanganui Alleged Manslaughter Case.

(BY TELEGRAPH.) Wanganui, Juno 12. After the dinner adjournment, tho evidence was t-akon of Dr Tripe, Mrs Fisher (the nurse), and tho police. Dr Tripe deposed to taking down, as a iustieo of the peace, the dying declaration of the deceased, which was made by her own free will, and in the full belief that sho was about to die. The statement was as follows : " I, Emily Kate Spicer, being of sound mind, and believing I am about to die, make oath and say that on tho 24th day of Slay last Mrs Parsons camo home by the Stormbird. Oil tho aftornoon of that day I came to this houso, where I am lying, as tho residence of Mrs Peyman. Mrs Peyman told mo to lio on a stretcher (the deceased went on to describe how Mrs Peymen performed an illegal operation upon her, with a view to procuring abortion). Sho hurt me very much. (Tho deceased then related what followed, and said she had been enceinte about two months, when Mrs Peyman operated on her.) I gavo Mrs Peyman L 5 on tho Sunday, which I agreed to do. (Signed) Emily Kate Spicer." The nurse's .statement of tho confession made to her by deceased was a confirmation of her declaration before Dr Tripe. Sergeant-Major Anderson deposed to finding certain articles in possession of Mrs Payman used as preventives. The jury found the following verdict : "That Emily Kate Spicer camo by her death at the hands of Caroline Peyman, and we record a verdict of wilful murder against the said Caroline Peyman."