SENTENCED TO DIE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17740, 29 March 1932, Page 9

SENTENCED TO DIE

BURNT BONES VERDICT CONCLUSION OF TRIAL PERTH. March 20. After a hearing lasting eight days, the jury in tin* Murchison burnt bones trial gave a verdict of guilty against “Snowy” Rowies for the murder of Louis Canon. Without a flicker in his eyes Rowies heard the death sentence, and, declaring "I have been sentenced for a murder that lias not been committed !” he turned on bis heel and descended to the cells.

Human bones, presumed to be those of Carron were found in camp-fire ashes early last year. Carron has not been seen since he parted from his working partner, Rowies, about .May 18, 1930. llowles said they had a slight disagreement and each decided to go his own way.

The jury could see by Rowies’ demeanour throughout the trial that be was cold and unemotional, clever and deliberate,

Evidence had bee A called to prove that Howies had sent both watches to Berth to lie repaired. Mr. Justice Draper, in Ids summing up, referred to Hie court. Upfield’s evidence that Houles Was present at. a discussion as to the best way to dispose of a human body, and said it. was curious that a body was disposed of in that way.

But the jury had first to consider whether Canon was dead. The police bad advertised and inquired for him without result.

There was some doubt whether the skull belonged to a European or an aboriginal, but as to tho remains the jury bad to ask themselves whether natives wore boots or shot's or false teeth—for these things were found. Garron had four pin teeth on Ids upper denture, fastened with two gold clips. Four pin teeth were found in the ashes, fastened with two gold clips. Carron's watch was found on the dashboard of Howies’ car, and Cumin's wristlet watch was found in a parcel in a hut occupied by Howies. The whole proof of the Crown’s ease rested on inference, said the judge. The investigation and the trial have cost the State £SOOO. When his counsel, Mr. Curran, finished his address, Howies leaned over from the dock and said: “Thanks, Mr. Curran. You have done all that could lie done for me. and even if the verdict goes against me you won't find me squealing !”