THE AXUP MURDER CASE.

Timaru Herald, Volume XC, Issue 13293, 23 May 1907, Page 5

THE AXUP MURDER CASE.

THE EXPERT EVIDENCE

Per Press Association.

WELLINGTON, May 22.

Dr Borgheiti, eye specialist, called by counsel for the accused, said tliat he found that Paget was suffering from optic atrophy, which meant degeneration of the optic nerve. There was abnormal dilation of the pupil, which was consistent with spinal disorder, and which accompanies at the early stages locomotor ataxia. Optic atrophy was a sign of degeneration of the nervous system.. It was possible for atrophy of the optic nerve to be caused by extravkation of blood, due to a blow.

Cross-examined The doctor said that lis would not suggest that the accused had optic atrophy to an extent to suggest;,-any . brain disease. Accused had spinal -trouble —incipient locomotor ataxia. He also had astigmatism of the eyes, but not mvoptic astigmatism. Dr Crosbie, medical superintendent of Mount View Asylum, said that he. was satisfied that Paget was an epileptic. Counsel: IJovyou believe a man in a stat® of epilepsy, might even commit an act without knowing "what was taking place - Witness : I do; lis would have no knowledge, and no recollection. Clouston, an authority, says that murder in ;<n epileptic is just as much a symptom of disease as petty larceny was,, in the case of general paralysis of the insane. Dr Gow, medical superintendent :of Sunnysids Asylum, said he thought accused was suffering from epilepsy. The man .was insane, and .'should have been locked up three or four years ago.

Dr Collius said he had conin'to the conclusion that accused was an epileptic. This concluded the evidence for the defence.

Dr Kendal, an eye specialist, called by the Crown, said lie had examined accused's eyes and found no trace of optic atrophy. The dilation of his eyes was not .abnormal; it- was* due to an error of refraction.

•Dr Henry, the goal surgeon, said he had not noticed anything strikingly peculiar about accused.

'The 'Court was at this stage adjourned until to-morrow.