Untitled

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 10446, 26 August 1905, Page 2

THE MYSTERIOUS BOX. Reporting the proceedings of the Land Commission last. Friday week, the Syd, " ey Telegraph says: — There was a brisk lialf-hour in the afternoon, when _Irs Willis was giving evidence. She was asked to open her own box at the Safe Deposit or to consent to it* being opened by his Honor. It was explained to her that the Judge was the only person who would see the contents, and that if he held there was nothing in the box wliich could be regarded as evidence in the inquiry it would simply be locked up and again handed over to Mrs Willis. But Mm Willis, though informed that other steps would be taken, refused her consent. The only offer she could make, after consultation with her solicitor, was that she would open the box herself, giving her word that if there was anything in it affecting the Commission she would hand this over. The replyof his Honor was that it was he who liad to determine what affected the Commission-.

The box, a tin one, about 2ft square, with the name "Mrs Mary. Willis" printed upon it in white letters, was brought up in a cab from the Safe Deposit under the custody of a detective, and carried into the room. After some argument it was admitted in evidence, and upon his Honor's order was sealed in various places, and returned to the Safe Deposit, where only the Judge will have access to it. His Honor stated that Mrs Willis would have permission to open thie ..box in his presence and take possession of her silver-ware and jewellery ond nny papers which he decided were not material to the inquiry.