CHARGE OF BREAKING AND ENTERING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13834, 22 February 1907, Page 3

CHARGE OF BREAKING AND ENTERING

EVIDENCE OF FINGER-PRINT EXPERT. QfaoM Od» Own Correspondent.) OAMARU, February 21. Tho hearing of the charge against John Findlay of breaking and entering and theft from the dwelling yof the late AV. 11. Itennio was commenced again to-day. Mr Fraser prosecuted, and Mr Hjorring appeared for the accused, who pleaded "Not guilty." Tiic evidence was generally similar to that taken at the previous hearings, but the ovidenco of Edmund A?. Dinnle, finger-print export, revealed a fresh feature. Under cross-examination this witness said ho found finger-prints on a largo number of articles in tho house. Ho was told, on arrival at tho place, that tho peoplo in the vicinity had been through the place. None of tho impressions found coincided with liioso of the nccused. In reply to Mr Fraser, witness said some of the prints were very clear, others w«rc smudged. There was one impression apparently identical with that of accused, but'there was not sufficient outlino of which to procure a clear' photograph, and witness would not swear-to it definitely. To his Honor: The jnark referred to was on the sido of deceased's writing-desk, which had been forced open. There was just a possibility that this particular impression was mado by someone else's finger. Tho hearing occupied the wholo day, and tho court adjourned at 6.15 p.m.

Mr Fraser challenged 14 of those called to constitulo tho jury, whilst Mr Hjorring challenged five.