The Waikomiti Poisoning Case.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume X, Issue 13, 1 April 1893, Page 296

The Waikomiti Poisoning Case.

THE trial of Alexander Scott is likely to rank as one of the most celebrated criminal cases in the annals of New Zealand Courts. The facts of the case are pretty well known throughout New Zealand, or at least the North Island, and have excited a great deal of interest. In Auckland the public have heard so much of it that they were almost beginning to get tired of the seemingly interminable recapitulation of evidence that was found necessary before the prisoner was finally committed to take his trial at the Supreme Court. When that stage in the proceedings had

been reached the excitement quite subsided, only, however, to awake again at the opening of the criminal sittings about a fortnight ago. Even then, however, the case did not come so quickly to a termination as had been expected. Owing to the illness of two of the jurymen, when the trial had proceeded some distance, the juty had to be dismissed, and a new one empanelled. This delay rather tended to augment the public interest in the matter, and up to the time of our going to press the accounts of the trial which have been published in the daily papers have been closely watched. The proceedings have necessarily been very lengthy, a large number of witnesses having had to be examined. In opening the case, the Crown prosecutor, Mr Tole, put the facts clearly and succinctly before the jury. He stated that it would be shown that the deceased William Thompson died from strychnine poisoning, and that it would be proved that the prisoner

was in attendance on the deceased, and had also purchased poisons at various establishments. Mr Tole then said that the question for the jury to decide was whether Thompson

died from poison administered by himself, or whether it was administered to him by Alexander Scott. The evidence of the various witnesses examined, most of which was made public some months ago, proves, beyond doubt, that Scott was a constant attendant on Thompson during the latter’s illness ; that, at that time, he purchased poisons from various shops, and that he was the only person with the deceased when the latter died. Clear evidence was also adduced of strong familiarity between the prisoner and Mrs Thompson, and letters that had passed between them were read in court.

Throughout all the proceedings the prisoner has appeared perfectly self-possessed. He is well-dressed, and answered ‘Not guilty, your Honour’ in a firm voice when he heard the charge of which he stood accused. He looks in better health than he did at tbe time of the inquest. The incarceration be has lately undergone and the terrible anxiety that he must have suffered seemingly have had no 'bad effect on him. Every day during the proceedings a large number of persons have occupied that part of the court reserved for the public, and the ladies' gallery has had occupants on several occasions. The details of evidence have an attraction for a not inconsiderable class of persons, but the Auckland public, as a whole, have not, on this occasion, displayed any morbid appetite for sensational disclosures. It would be out of place here to make any comment on this celebrated case before the jury has returned its verdict. Throughout the trial the prisoner has been ably represented by his counsel, and he can have no complaint against the

just manner the case for the prosecution has been conducted. Whatever opinion may be entertained regaiding his guilt or innocence by the outside public, we know that he will have full justice in so far as it is in the power of man to give him it. As the case, whatever the verdict may be, is likely to rank as a cause celebre. in New Zealand, we give in this issue a carefully executed picture of the court taken during the trial. From this those of the public who have an interest in the matter, but have no desire to be spectators of the scene,will be able to form a clear impression of the appearance of the court’s interior during the trial. The picture of Scott, who is represented sitting in the dock, is a very good likeness of the man.

The photographs of the counsel for the defence and prosecution were taken by Mr Hanna specially for re production in the Graphic. That of Mr Judge Conolly is from a picture taken some time ago by Mr Martin.