PONSONBY MURDER CASE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 12064, 28 May 1920, Page 5

PONSONBY MURDER CASE.

AOOUSED IN THE WITNESS • BOX. Per Frees Association. • In opening the case for the defence, Mr Prendergast said the accused desired to go into the bos and tell his own story. Much of the evidence for the prosecution was highly technical. The remark was made by Gnnc when accosted by the detectives that he was home all Saturday afternoon, and his subsequent correction, coariael suggested, was only natural, in keeping with his innocence. Dennis Gnnn then entered the box. On Saturday, March 13th, he said, he left home with his brother Charles about 2 o'clock. They went to a hotel and then to the circus, but did not go in on account of the crowd. They then watched, a boat race in the harbour, and then went to another hotel. He retprned home about 5 o'clock, and left again about 7.15 with his brother Thomas. Accused became parted from his brother in the crowd and went to a picture show, leaving when the performance was over about 10 o'clook. He met his brother alter the show and they walked home together. He did not go cut again- that night. Mr Prendergast: Had you anything to 'do with the murder of Braithwaite or the robbery at the post office?—No, I had not. In cross examination, accused said he had never been in Ponsonby Post Offioe, and did not handlo the casn boxes or revolver on the night of the murder. He had never had the revolver, and the finger-print was not his.

Counsel for the Prosecution : Well, have you any objection to giving a print of the palm of your hand or any print we may choose? Mr Reed, for the accused, objected, and after discussion, said if accused refused it would tell against him, and if he agreed he was patsing himself in the hands of experts who were practically obliged to give an opinion in one -way. His Honour: All I can say is that I would be sorry to think responsible police officers, either here or in New South Wales, would he obliged to givo evidence ia any one way. Ou tho advice of bi 3 counsel, acetised declined to submit his finger pi int. Further witnesses wore nailed, including one man who said he saw Gunn ontside a picture theatre just before 8 p. ax. Evidence for the defence had not concluded when the Court rose.