RAE V. GREENWAY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 142, 17 June 1891, Page 5

RAE V. GREENWAY.

THE VERDICT FOR PLAINTIFF

The case of James Rae v. Alfred Robt. Greenvvay was concluded yesterday evening. The claim was for £448 10s 6d on promissory notes and 1.0.U.'s given by the defendant. The case has occupied the attention of His Honor Mr Justice Conolly and a special jury, Messrs Keals (foreman), Berry, Murray and Knight, for nine days. It was commenced at last Civil Sessions, but owing to the mass of evidence it could not then be concluded, and ifc was held over till the present session. A curious feature in the case was that the addresses of counsel on either side and of the judge occupied almost the same time to a minute. Mr Thos. Cotter appeared for the plaintiff Rae, instructed by Mr Cave, while Mr Theo. Cooper appeared for the defendant Greenway, under the instructions of Mr Haultain.

A very greab deal of interest has been manifested in the case, and while the jury were considering their verdict last evening there was a large crowd hanging around the Supreme Court buildings. His Honor's address to the jury concluded at half-past three, and they at once retired.

At ten minutes to five the jury returned to Court, and the foreman announced fchat there was little likelihood of their coming to a unanimous verdict.

His Honor then informed the jury that he could not accept anything but a unanimous verdict till bhe jury had been in deliberabion bhree hours. After they had been throa hours considering their verdict he could accept a three-fourths verdict if a unanimous one were not possible.

A few minutes before seven the jury again appeared to ask whether they could strike out the 1.0.U.'s for the jewellery. His Honor pointed out that those 1.0.U.'s were only put in as evidence, and were not sued on.

At five minutes past seven the jury returned again, and the foreman said there wae no probability of their coming to a unanimous verdict. His Honor said he could accept a three-fourths verdict, more than three hours having elapsed einco the jury's retiring. In reply to the usual question the foreman stated thafc the verdicc was for plaintiff for £248.

His Honor gave judgment in accordance with the jury's verdicb, with costs on.the middle scale, and costs for extra days five guineas each, and h've guineas a day lor extra solicitor.