DEATH OF WHALL.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15999, 30 May 1924, Page 7

DEATH OF WHALL.

THE MURDER CHARGE. STATEMENT BY BARNES. By Telegraph.—Press Association. WELLINGTON, Thursday. The hearing of thee harge of murder against Joseph Barnes, concerning the death of Walter Whall, who died from injuries inflicted during a fight in Boulcott Street, was continued in the Magistrate's Court to-day. Beatrice Wells gave evidence that she saw Barnes in the scullery of the I boarding-house washing his hands. She asked him what he had done. Accused replied, " He won't come here again. It is a case for the hospital or the doctors." j Zella Taylor, domestic at the boardj ing-house, deposed to seeing accused j washing a knife similar to the one produced in Court. Sergeant Pender gave evidence that when he arrived on the scene Barnes said: "lie tried to murder me. Look at my coal, where he tore it in the struggle when he tried to stab me." | Witness found a blood-stained towel in a bedroom, which accused admitted was his properly. Detective Jarrold read a statement by accused in which Barnes said that on the night of the, occurrence Whall I threatened him, saying: "Look here, Barnes, I am going to murder you. Before I finish I will have to do it." j After an argument Whall struck him I with something in his hand and kicked j him. Both fell. Accused was on top, j and Whall held him so that he could I not move. A boarder pulled accused | away. The object in Whall's hand I was of metal. Accused was not on j friendly terms with Whall, on account of him (Barnes) living with Whall's wife. The Crown case concluded. Mr Stevenson, fcr aocused, asked that A lrs Whall should' be called. Mr Macassey replied that she knew nothing of Ihe case against Barnes and was hostile. She watched her husband-bleed to death and then went into the kitchen and threw her arms round Barnes' neck. The magistrate ruled that Mrs Whall's evidence was irrelevant, but counsel could have her bound over to appear at the Supreme Court trial if he desired. The hearing was adjourned.