The Coningham Divorce Case.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2954, 28 November 1900, Page 2

The Coningham Divorce Case.

ABIGAIL IN THE WITNESS BOX,

United Press Association—Per Elsctnt

Teiegrap h—Copyright. Received 8.45 p.m., November 27th.

SYDNEY, November 27,

Abigail in the witness box gave his version of Iris dealings with Coogan. He stated that Coogan came to his office and asked if lie could be a witness in the Coningham case. He admitted that he knew nothing about it, adding ” but you know what I am. All you would have to do would be to put me up to a few pioints so that I could not get into a fix on cross-examination.” He said that he would want a “ bit out of the case.” Abigail told him that he would have nothing to do with such proceedings. Coogan saw him again next evening, and told him that he desired to get even with Dr O’Haran for wanting to charge him £lO for getting married during Lent. Witness subsequently went to Coogan’s house to see him about another case for which he was acting for Coogan. It was then that the conversation overheard by tho four hidden witnesses took pilace. Coogan brought up the Coningham case and asked if he could not see some of the witnesses, saying that he was a Catholic and could get strength for them where Abigail could not. They talked over the question of costs and a few other details. Witness asked Coogan if he could find out certain facts for him, and at Coogan’s request made him a memorandum of these facts. Coogan said that Abigail would have to change his name after the case was over, or the Romans would shoot him. Abigail on oath denied suggesting that any one should give false evidence in regard to Dr O’Haran. He also denied other leading statements contained in the evidence of Coogan and his witnesses. The case was then adjourned Received 0.15 a.m., November 28th.

In the course of conversation- Abigail told Coogan that ho believed that Coningham had written a letter to Dr OTlarran. threatening to follow him all over the world, and that when he struck lie would strike deep). Dr OTlarran and a number of pndests were present in court throughout the proceedings.