Statement of Sydney Oakes

Sydney John Oakes, states;
I am a Corn Merchant residing
at Alphalton.

I have recently been to Europe.
I left Southampton on 2nd November
last for Melbourne where I arrived
on 15th December last. I knew
among the passengers Mr. and Mrs.
Williams, the vessel was the
'Kaiser Wilhelm II' I disembarked
at Melbourne and so did Mr. &
Mrs. Williams. I knew them
well. I visited the Morgue
yesterday (7th March). I was shown
a body which I have no doubt is
that of Mrs. Williams. I noticed
on board that Mrs. Williams had parti-
cularly interesting hair. My belief in
the identification is strengthened by
the hair shown me. I recognise the
Canary and the brass cage: it
was in the possession of Mrs. Wil-
liams on the voyage.

Mr. Williams's manner towards his
wife was always kind and affectionate

I identify the accused as the
Mr. Williams referred to in my
evidence: his Christian name
was Albert and the deceaseds
Emily at least they so addressed
one another whilst on board the
steamer. I last saw the accused
on

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To a juror

Re-examined

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Mrs Oakes - wife of S. J. Oakes
Passengers Hat[illegible]
= dresses - belts
Identifies Williams
& Photograph

on
the 6th January last in Bourke St.
I had a drink with him at the
Baths Hotel, Bourke St, close to
where I met him. He promised to
come out and see me, and took
my address down in his pocket-
book. He never came. Whilst
having our drinks he told me
that he had got a billet in
India as Inspecting Engineer under
the Government at a salary of
£1000 per annum. Said he was
going to sail on for India on the
following Saturday week 16th January.
On the voyage out he informed me
that he had been Inspecting
Engineer for 19 years in the
Royal Navy and was drawing a
pension.

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