THE WESTPORT MURDER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2506, 20 May 1909, Page 5

THE WESTPORT MURDER.

CONNELLY’S TRIAL AT CHRISTCHURCH.

[Pee Peess Association.]

CHRISTCHURCH, May 19

The Westport murder trial was continued to-day. The case for the defence was closed with the completion cf the evidence of Constable Buttar, who, in substance, corroborated tne pretions witnesses as to what occurred at Coikery’s Hotel, when Hallinen illustrated how lie had assaulted sr n cone on the previous evening. When cross ixr mined, Constable Buttar stated that lie inquired at the Empire Hotel, as Hallinen’s statement was + hat he had been i there on the night of the murder, outdid not inquire at the theatre. Rebutting evidence was coiled by the Crown. . Hallinen gave evidence, and ounwd the movements of inmself and ‘>nclerson and Haakonsen on the inght o. the murder, showing that at the time the murder was supposed to have occurred the three were at the theatre. His evidence was supported by that of Haakonsen. Rebutting evidence was also given o> Margaret Shaw, Alfred Webber, Bilivarooz, Edward Beswick, Ivy Pearce. Lilv Pearce. Henry Christensen, v ynThompson, and. Peter Robb, ail of whom wore subjected to close cross-examina-tion bv Mr. Hanlon, but were unsuaken in essentials, though several admitted that the times given by them had been fixed bv guessing. Robb verified Hailincn’s' statement regarding Ins fight with -a steward of the Taluue on the niglvt of the murder. Mr. Hanlon, in reply to His Honor, said he had no further evidence, and the case was closed. Counsel will address the jury to-mor-row.