WESTPORT MURDER CASE

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13908, 20 May 1909, Page 6

WESTPORT MURDER CASE

TRIAL OP CONNELLY. Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCII, May 19. The Westport murder trial was continued to-day. The case tor the defence closed with the completion of the evidence of Constable Buttar, who in substance corroborated the previous witnesses as to what occurred " at Cockery's hotel, when Hallinen illustrated how he liau ussaulted someone the previous evening. Cross-examined, tbe witness stated that he had enquired at the Empire Hotel as to Hallineifs statement. He Lad been there on the night of the murder, but had not enquired. Rebutting evidence was called by the Crown. Hallinen in his evidence described the movements of himself and Andersen, end Haakonson on the night of the murder, showing the time the murder was supposed to have occurred. The three men were at the theatre. Thi3 evidence was supported by that of Haakonson, Margaret Shaw, Alfred Webber, Bill Karooz, Edward Beswick, Ivy Pearce, Lily I'earce, Henry Christenseu, Cyril Thompson, and Peter Robb, all of whom were subjected to close cross-examination by Mr Hanloh, but were unshaken in the essentials of their evidence, though several of tbe witnesses admitted that the time given by them was fixed by guessing. Kobb verified Hailinen's statement regarding his fight with the steward off the Talnne on the night of the murder. Mr Hanlon, in reply to His Honour, eaid he had no further evidence. The case closed, and counsel will address the Court to-morrow.