Murder Cases.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7182, 5 June 1891, Page 3

Murder Cases.

• [Pbb Pbess Association.] AUCKLAND, June 4. The trial of Thomas Pry, otherwise known as Thomas Floyd, on the charge of the murder of William Veitch, at Wairoa South on March 23 last, was begun at the Supreme Court to-day before Mr Justice Conolly. Mr H. Williamson, Crown Prosecutor, conducted the case for the Crown, and Mr Napier appeared for the defence. While the Jury was being called, Mr Napier exercised the right of challenge so freely that the panel was exhausted when only eleven jurymen had been admitted. A twelfth juror was afterwards sworn in, however, and the case proceeded. Mrs Agnes Patterson, who had been housekeeper for Veitch, gave evidence that on the evening of March 23 she heard somebody outside the house calling Veitch, who went out ; and witness afterwards heard blows, and Veitch calling out "You are murdering me." After waiting a little time, because she was frightened, she went to the place and found Veitch bleeding from the head, nose and mouth. His pockets were turned out and his watch was gone. Medical evidence was given, and the depositions of Veitch were produced. Mr Napier objected to their being received, as they had been taken on a charge of assault and robbery, not upon a charge of murder. His Honor said he would admit the depositions if it were shown that the accused had had full opportunity of cross-examination. As this was proved in the evidence of Mr Crawford, before whom Veitch's evidence waß taken, the depositions were received in evidence. The Court then adjourned till to-morrow. WANGANUI, Junh 4. A woman named Caroline Peyman was arrested to-night on a charge of improper practice in the case of a young woman named Emily Kate Spicer, aged twentytwo, a domestic servant. Since the arrest the young woman has died. Mrs Peyman will be brought up to-morrow charged with murder. Spicer's depositions were taken before she died. June 5. Caroline Peyman, charged with the murder of Emily Kate Spicer, was remanded for eight days. The case arises out of an operation performed on the deceased.