OSCAR SLATER’S CASE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20169, 11 June 1928, Page 7

OSCAR SLATER’S CASE

HEARING OF APPEAL Story of Gilchrist Murder to be Told Again NEW WITNESSES (By Telegxaph—Per Press Assn.—Copyright j [ Australian Press Assn. J Received Juno 10, 5.5 p.m. EDINBURGH, Juno 9. In the court at Edinburgh where Oscar Slater was condemned to death for the murder of Miss Gilchrist in 1909, an appeal has begun against the conviction of Slater, who was reprieved'after he had served 18£ years. Counsel asked leave to recall Miss Gilchrist’s maid servant, Helen Lambic, who, before the crime, told her former employer that owing to her fear of murder admission to the house was cmy possible by a signal. She later denied the statement. The Lord Justice-General pointed out that Helen Lambic might bo dead. Council: We have information that she is hidipg. Counsel said the police arranged for the identification, taking Slater' handcuffed, through the corridor in the presence of witnesses. He also desired to call a woman who at present he refused to name, who had seen a fugitive leaving the house. He was also calling Sir Bernard Spilsbury, for evidence regarding the description of the injuries, upon photographs of which Dr. Adams, who was now dead, had opposed the Crown’s case, stating that Miss Gilchrist was murdered with a hammer.

Lord Advocate urged that the case should not be retried, as would result if Slater gave evidence.

The Court refused evidence by Sir Bernard Spilsbury, but permitted Helen Lambie to bo recalled, also new witnesses, including the woman whose identity has not been divulged, and Pinkney, a New York prison official, regarding whether the witnesses, including Lambie, saw Slater handcuffed at the Tombs Prison. It further has permitted the widow of Dr. Adams to give evidence regarding anything he said and any documents left regarding Miss Gilchrist’s injuries. Witnesses will be heard on July 9.