CHOCOLATES AND NITRIC.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12636, 22 May 1919, Page 5

CHOCOLATES AND NITRIC.

A PECULIAR CASE. [Pkr Press Association.] Wellington, May 23. At the Supreme Court a case is being heard in which Richard 'William Martin is charged with having sent letters containing threats to kill to Alexander Collins. With one letter was sent ft, box of chocolates said to contain, nitrio acid. The letter extended the writer's best wishes to Collins, and asked him to ( give some of tile chocolates to his wife. Later, it is alleged, detectives found _ a bottle of nitric acid on the shelf in accused’s office. Accused Said the acid was for testing purposes. Collins, under cross-examination, said that he and accused were still employed by the same firm, and their relations were friendly. When witness received the Ihst letter accused advised him to see the police. The condition and smell of the chocolates when lie received them were such that no adult Would think of eating them. Some of the letters had been posted, and others left Oh the counter in the shop. Witness’s wife had been ill for some time and required, special medicine, Which accused used to get for hita, and therefore! if accused wanted to do harm lie could have done it in that way. The case is proceeding-