WELLINGTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 1456, 11 October 1879, Page 12

WELLINGTON.

October 6th.

The Criminal Sittings of the Supreme Ooarfc commenced this morning, before Chief Justice Prendergast. His Honor, in charging the Grand Jury, remarked that the number of petty thefts was by no means inconsiderable. He said that a number of persons had been committed from the East Coast, and it seemed to him quite inconsistent with and opposed to the principles which ought to prevail in the administration of criminal justice, that persons should be committed at the will of the committing magistrate as to the time and place of trial. He said that bringing those persons here manifestly increased the expense to the country and parties concerned. With regard to ths Natives committed from the West Coast, he had reason to think that they would not come before him this sitting. He then discharged the Grand Jury to their duties. Mr Travers, who is retained for the defence of the Taranaki Natives, asked for a postponement, to enable them to be tried at a special Bitting of the Court. The Crown Prosecutor agreed to the application! which was granted. Frank W, Moor, for larceny, and Walter Thompion, for larceny, were found guilty, and their sentences were deferred. Patrick Sullivan, for larceny, George Snooks, for larceny, and George Brighting, far burglary, were acquitted. A true bill was found against Joseph John Walsh on four charges of felony.

Wellington, October 7th. At this morning's sitting of the Supreme Court the Grand Jury found a true bill against the Natives for forcible entry on land at Gisborne. They; then adjourned till to-morrow, when they will consider the bill against Flexman Ward and others for riot at Gisborne. The following sentences were passed : — Prank A. Moore, larceny, 12 months' hard labour : Walter Thomson, embezzlement, six months' hard labour, and on a charge of larceny, six months— the sentences to be concurrent ; Wil. Ham Matheson, larceny, 12 months' hard labour. Cornelius Fisher, charged with shooting a cow, was acquitted.