ALLEGED CATTLE STEALING.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 138, 11 June 1917, Page 6

ALLEGED CATTLE STEALING.

A PECULIAR DEVELOPMENT. 7 JUDGE DISCHAHGES JURY. 1. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) \ HAMILTON", this day. \

An unusual development occurred in til cattle stealing case against a man named Keyeft. Keyes, who was undefended, stated that lie had engaged an Auckland solicitor, who had since been suspended, and that arrangements which he had afterwards made for his defence by another solicitor had fallen through." A! witness who could give material evidence on his behalf had not been subpoenaed. His Honor ascertained that the witness concerned could be procured, and adjourned the case for a couple of hours. Upon the Court resuming his Honor intimated to prisoner that under the Crimes Act he (the judge) had discretion under certain circumstances to discharge the jury without asking for a verdict. If the prisoner so desired, he would exercise that power, as the necessary circumstances obtained, and commence proceedings de novo on Thursday, next. This would enable Keyes to ob" tain counsel. If Keyes, under legal ad« Vice, desired to have all the charges against him taken together he would de» cide, if he found he had power.

Keyes intimated that his wish was along the lines indicated by hie Honor, and the hearing was accordingly adjourned till Thursday, the jury being .discharged from further service. Keyes was sent to Auckland by Saturday night's express in order to be able to communicate with counsel. Hia Honor recommended that the evidence taken on >Saturday should not be published. as it was likely to prejudice jury* anen who may be empanelled on Thuw day. j