THE SYDNEY MYSTERY

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19699, 5 October 1935, Page 8

THE SYDNEY MYSTERY

INQUEST CONTINUED. DEATH OF REGINALD HOLMES. STRONG EXPLAINS MOVEMENTS. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. SYDNEY, Oct. 4. The inquest regarding the death of Reginald Holmes, who was found Shot on June 12, was continued. John Patrick Strong explained his movements • and his meeting with Holmes on June 11. He said he had been drinking prior, to being picked up by Holmes in a car, and after Holmes had driven him to a hotel he stood outside talking for some time. He went home about 6.45 p.m. and went to bed shortly afterwards, and stayed thfere.

Asked to explain how his fingerprints had been found on both sides of the car, Strong said lie had stood arguing at the driver’s side prior to entering the car and may then have rested his hand against it. The fingerprints on the other side may have been left while he was actually entering the car. Strong emphatically denied being in any way connected with Holmes’ death. Clear Conscience Claimed. Albert Stannard then gave evidence, and expressed his willingness to answer any questions. He declared that he had a clear conscience. He, too, denied being concerned in Holmes’ death. When asked by the coroner to explain how the witness Summers had identified him as being in the vicinity of the place where the tragedy occurred on the night of June 11, Stannard declared that he was either making a mistake or the statement was a fabrication. “I swear before God he never saw me in that locality,” said Stannard. Frederick Smith, a car attendant at the Regent Theatre, gave evidence that Stannard parked his car adjacent to the theatre from 7 to 10.30 p.m. on the night of June 11. He saw Stannard and his wife enter the theatre, and witness retained the keys of the car until the performance ended. Mrs Stannard gave evidence , that she accompanied her husband to the theatre that night and remained with him until 10.30.

Lucy Smith, ticket collector at the Regent Theatre, gave corroborative evidence about seeing the Stannards enter the theatre.

The inquest was adjourned until October 10.