by Linda Venn
Click here for a list of key characters in this story
Concluding the evidence for the prosecution on Monday 4th January 1932
The timekeeper, Francis John Herbertson, was next to give evidence. Herbertson knew Edmonds only “slightly, in all seeing him on three occasions”. (Townsville Daily Bulletin, Tuesday 5th January 1932, p. 3) On December 8th, he had been in his office at Mt. Spec when Edmonds and a man named Davies had arrived in a Ford car. Davies at the time was a Main Roads employee. He came into the office to ask permission to use the telephone, with Edmonds waiting until he’d finished. Edmonds came into Herbertson’s office where they had a general conversation, mostly about Edmonds starting a butchering business locally. The overseer, McClelland, had come into the office while Edmonds was there and Edmonds had asked McClelland to sell him four gallons of benzine, but McClelland refused. Roberts’ cross-examination elicited the information that Main Roads had previously had a policy of selling fuel to employees at cost price. Edmonds had made a casual remark about the number of employees on the Mt. Spec Road project, and that tomorrow’s pay would be a big one. Davies returned and both men left towards Moongabulla. (Townsville Daily Bulletin, Tuesday 5th January 1932, p. 3)
Last to take the stand for the prosecution was James Murray, a labourer residing at Mutarnee. James Murray had known Edmonds for about 12 months. On the morning of the hold-up, he had gone to Tealby’s to get a horse, arriving between 7 and 8 a.m. Edmonds had arrived at about 11:30 a.m., “on a little chestnut mare which had a bit of a sweat up”. (Townsville Daily Bulletin, Tuesday 5th January 1932, p. 3) Edmonds asked Murray where he was going. Murray was going home, but waited until Edmonds changed horses, turning the mare into Tealby’s paddock. Murray wanted to towards Rollingstone, but Edmonds wanted to go towards Mt. Spec, which Murray agreed to. They left together about 11:40 a.m. Edmonds was only at Tealby’s for about ten minutes. A couple of miles later, Edmonds had remarked “that someone had had a puncture.” This was near the scene of the crime. The tree lying across the road Murray recognised as one he had personally cut down “some two years ago.” (Townsville Daily Bulletin, Tuesday 5th January 1932, p. 3)
At this point, “His Worship called the witness to order on his behaviour in Court, and ordered him to restrain his language.” Unfortunately, we don’t know what Murray said or did to earn Cameron’s rebuke.
Continuing, Murray stated that they arrived home about 12:30 p.m. Edmonds had been wearing “a blue shirt and dungaree trousers, with a cowboy hat.” (Townsville Daily Bulletin, Tuesday 5th January 1932, p. 3) Murray had recognised the mare as the one ridden by Edmonds, but said “the mare did not appear distressed.” (Townsville Daily Bulletin, Tuesday 5th January 1932, p. 3) Murray could not account for Edmonds changing horses to go to Mutarnee. Under cross-examination by Roberts, Murray stated that Edmonds said he was going to meet the train, but did not mention anything about the Mt Spec pay having arrived on time.
This concluded the case for the prosecution. Roberts contended that the only evidence was that of O’Brien, therefore no prima facie case existed. His Worship disagreed. Roberts then entered a plea of not guilty and pointed out he would call Edmonds and a witness for the defence on Tuesday and then ask for an adjournment until Friday, “to get further witnesses from the country.” (Townsville Daily Bulletin, Tuesday 5th January 1932, p. 3)
The Court then adjourned until 10:30 a.m. Tuesday 5th January.