WELLINGTON MURDER.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15998, 29 May 1924, Page 7

WELLINGTON MURDER.

BARNES BEFORE COURT. MEDICAL EVIDENCE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. WELLINGTON, Wednesday. Joseph Barnes, aged 31, appeared at the Magistrate's Court to-day charged with the murder of Walter John Whatl in Bouloott Street on May 1.

The Crown Prosecutor said if was alleged that accused plunged a knife info the left groin of Whall, causing bis death.

Dr. Anderson gave evidence that death was due to haemorrhage, as the result of wounds. Fred Arrnitage, Government bacteriologist, at Auckland, said some bloodstains submitted to him could not be determined. Some stains of human blood were found on the left pocket of the accused's trousers. Out of 15 stains in a towel six were human blood.

David Wilson' described meeting the accused and the deceased. Witness said he went to the boardinghouse and asked for Barnes, who accompanied witness to where Whall and another were waiting. A conversation regaril,ing Whall's wife ford; place. Barnes being accused of calling on her. . After further,talk Barnes said lie would do for Barnes. A fight ensued. Whall had the best of it, and struck accused all over the body. Eventually the, two, still struggling, disappeared down an alleyway, which wa% dark. Some time after Barnes came from the kitchen, and Whall went to meet him. Witness did not see what happened, but later saw a man assisting Whall, and saw a trail of blood to the place where Whall collapsed. Barnes had a large knife when he came out the second time. Witness sail Barnes had no chance when Whall wis hitting him, and was calling out for assistance. Another witness said he saw a big man like Whall stumble and fall, and a small man like accused fall on him. The case was adjourned.