“BORROWED” FIVE ROUNDS.

I want to tell you everything, as I am guilty. I had been with my girl for some time, and I would not marry unless I had money, and there was no chance for making any in the Army. I used to go to the bank and see the money, and knowing that Mr. Hall was by himself it gave me the idea of getting money for the purpose of marrying. I did not have anything to do it with, and, I being in the Army, I thought the only way was to shoot him. I thought of no idea of getting a revolver, so I politely borrowed one of Major Lewis when he was out of his quarters, about four weeks ago, and then the problem cropped up about shots. I knew that Major Lewis did not have any; if so, I did not know where they were. Opposite my hut there is a machine-gun store, and one day, under the pretence of speaking to the storeman, I borrowed five rounds – that is, I stole them. I hid them in a big wooden box in the storeroom, and went on leave and left it there, and after running back I studied the movements of the late Mr. Hall. I know Friday was a silly day to pick on, because so many officers were there. I then decided the next best day would be Monday; but the Monday before it happened was awkward, so I left it day after day, as each day was awkward. On that Thursday I went into the bank about 12.30 p.m., and gave the passbook in, and just looked round and went out, deciding to come back again. I came back about 1.40, and said to Mr. Hall, “Can you give me an exchange form?” He gave me one and I went out. I came back about five minutes afterwards. The door was shut each time. I just stepped behind the counter and told him to “Hands up!” He did not do so, but dived for the drawer in the counter, and before I knew it a shot went off. In a flash I realised it was I that had done it, and again before I realised it, I pressed the trigger again, and he fell. I do not know whether the first shot hit him.

It seemed as if a red cloud was in front of me, and not for a couple of minutes did I realise what had happened. I took the keys out of his pocket and ran round the counter and shut and locked the door. Then I went round the counter and just stood looking. Then I heard a rattle of the door handle, so I just ducked down, and the person or persons went away. I then just opened the drawers, took out all the money, and put it in my haversack. I opened the window, went out, and shut the window after me. I went across in front of Colonel Morley’s house, and came out through the main entrance, and then went down to barracks. I went straight into the orderly room, and had the cheek to put the money down on the floor and set to work. In the evening I placed everything except my greatcoat in the big box, and went to bed, to sleep. The next morning I smuggled the money, &c., into the opposite room and tied it up there, and just carried on my work till night time. Then I went out and buried the revolver under a tree in the forest, opposite the training ground. I came back and went to my room, and finished for that day.

The next morning, Saturday, I went up to the married quarters of the East Lancashire Regimental Dept. I shut my eyes and threw the keys away, on or near the football ground, and went back to the orderly room. I buried the silver in a flower-bed outside the orderly room. Today I took the notes from the box and took it opposite my hut – No. 21 – and put it on the top of the wall. I heard you were going to make an arrest to-day. I swear that there was no one else in the matter, and I take all the blame on myself. Although I treated the matter with such staggering coldness, I am mot mad. I am perfectly sane, as far as I know. I swear I am sorry for Mr. Hall, and am really sorry for poor Mrs. Hall. I did not know he was married. I swear that, although I know I have not much longer to do on this earth. One other thing, Mr. Jones, I want to mention, and that is, that the £34 or £35 in the back of my wallet is mine. I have been saving it up to purchase my discharge.

This statement, added witness, was a perfectly voluntary one on the part of the prisoner. In response to a letter from Goldenberg, dated April 11, he proceeded to Winchester Prison, where he saw the prisoner in the presence of the governor and a warder. The governor, at the prisoner’s request, took down a statement, telling witness that he wanted him to make inquiries respecting a man named Meredith, of whom he was going to give particulars.

Mr. Peevor: Had you heard a word of Meredith up to this moment?

Witness: No, sir.

Mr. Peevor read the statement, in which Goldenberg alleged that the shooting was done by a man named Meredith, whom he said he met at the Union Jack Club, Waterloo, while he (Goldenberg) was keeping watch outside the bank.

The prisoner was remanded until May 1.