“The
most sensational evidence given in the Mackay-Gow case at police court
yesterday was that which dealt with a birthday party, according to what was
learned this morning.”
Hamilton Herald. March 20, 1914.
The day after the preliminary trial,
the Hamilton Herald was able to publish some information about some of the
evidence presented, despite the barring of press and public from the
proceedings.
A Herald managed to learn the names of
two of the witnesses and managed to track them down for an interview :
“Two girl witnesses said a birthday
party was held at the Gow residence a few weeks ago that was in many ways unusual
Fifteen girls were invited to the party, and after a repast was enjoyed, at
which champagne was served, a photograph of the party was taken.
“The photograph was obtained by the
police, and, in fact, the identity of most of the witnesses was established
through it, it is said.”1
1 “Told of
Birthday Party at Gow Home : This Was One of Interesting Bits of Evidence Given
In Case At Police Court Yesterday : Police, It Is Said, Have Picture of Party
That Was Taken On That Occasion and Identified Some Girls In It.”
Hamilton Herald. March 20, 1914.
Rumours were circulating that the
party included mirrors, rose-covered swings and other devices.
At the preliminary trial, five of the
nine girls who testified were said to definitely be under the age of eighteen
years. Their mothers were present to confirm their ages.
The Herald also learned how the attention
of the police came to be focused on Mackay and Gow :
“A constable swore that the mother of a
prominent girl witness had told him that her daughter had received mail from
the defendants. The constable swore that the mother told him that a letter came
one day from one of the defendants, while her daughter was at work. She said,
according to his evidence, that she opened the letter and went directly to the
authorities.
“The constable further swore, it is
said, that the mother of the girl was advised to turn over all letters that
came for her daughter. Two more letters came in a day or two, and these were
given over unopened. Their contents were instrumental in Deputy Chief Whatley
taking the step he did – having Gow and Mackay summoned last Saturday.”1
The Herald
reporter had heard that the names of other men involved in the case had been
mentioned in evidence given at the preliminary trial. Both the deputy police
chief and the magistrate were adamant that such was not the case, no names were
mentioned publicly :
“Neither were the names included in
the court reporter’s account. This, it is thought, will relieve certain persons
who are said to have been on the anxious seat during the past few days.
“Deputy Chief Whatley stated this
morning that while some men’s names had not been added in the Mackay-Gow case,
it was no guarantee that they should not be added. He said that if some others
didn’t mend their ways they might be proceeded against, and he believed some
others were doing some serious thinking about the matter.”1
The Herald
also published some details about the bail hearing that hadn’t been known fully
when the newspapers had gone to press.
After the magistrate had ruled that
the case should be sent for trial and declared the hearing over, both Mackay
and Gow were detailed at the King William police station. Wentworth County Judge
Snider was called to the station and when he eventually arrived, he was
closeted with the defendants and their lawyer for over an hour. The bail had
been raised from $1,000 to $2,000 each. Securities to the level of $1,500 was
deemed to be sufficient, or if cash was to be provided, the full $2,000 was
needed. The cash bail for the two, totaling $4,000, was quickly brought to the
station and both men were released.
It was noted by many in the crowd who
saw the men leave that station that Mr. Mackay was relatively calm and
expressionless, while Mr. Gow appeared to be very shaken.
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