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Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 197, 20 August 1919, Page 10

The twelve men who comprised the jury at the sitting of the Suprein*. Court at Christehurch were sent back to reconsider a verdict (reports the "Press.") The case was a peculiar one in that two accused, a man and a woman, were jointly charged with stealing a handbag containing £40 13/, and separately charged with receiving stolen goods. The Judge summed up strongly against the accused, and the jury, after three-quarters of an hour, returned a verdict against the two accused of guilty on all charges. Mr. Cunningham, who appeared for one of the accused, asked if a person could be found guilty of botii stealing and receiving an article, and Mr. Johnston, who represented the other accused, said that the inconsistency of the verdict showed that the jury had not properly considered the matter. Hi 3 Honor (slr. Justice Herdman) : "If you desire it I will send the jury back. What do you say i" Mr. Johnston (after contemplation) : "It is not necessary for mc to say. You are the presiding judge." The judge, addressing the jury, said: "Perhaps you had better formally go back then and consider your verdict." After less than a ininute3 ! retirement the jury returned with a verdict of guilty of theft, but not guilty on, the counts of receiving stolen goods.