THE WAIHI SENSATION.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12856, 16 December 1912, Page 5

THE WAIHI SENSATION.

INQUEST ON EVANS

(Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Dec. 14

The first witness to-<liay was Mrs. Evans, the widow ~fi tlie deceased. She said she saw her husband in the hospital ion (the morning he was struck. She siaid his forehead was swollen twdce the ordinary size and there were also wounds on the ibaek of his head. She knew that her husband had a revolver. The weapon alleged to have been usad by her husband 'and taken from him was not his, but the revolver cover taken from her husband was his.

Th'oan'ais Frankin, secretary of the Miners' Union, was the next witness. Hg was being examined by Mtr Lunvdon as to the events on the dlays preceding the shooting, when the Coroner said he could not see what Saturday and Monday's events had' to do with . the happenings of Tuesday. Mr Lundon contended that if continuity of action to 'take the (hall by force couLd be proved, and thiatt the men had) (grounds to fear an attack, they were justified in carrying firearms.

The Coroner, gaid they could keep on for a month with, such evidence.

Mr Lundon said it .would not matter if they went oft, for a- year, if they could get the facts eon/cerning Evianis' death. ;

The Coroner. replied that he must have direct evidence, <and would .refuse to" hear concerning events prior to Tuesday. ' • Mr Lund on then related ceriiain incidents at Waikino. and these were taken down (by the OWk. of the Court. The foreimiam of the jury ailso prot&stted against irrelevant evidence.

The Gor-oner explained that he wished to have the statement -recorded as it would show the irreleviahey of the evidence which Mr LunSon prqposed oailing as regards the scope of the present inquiry. .