THE FINGER-PRINT SYSTEM.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12442, 3 March 1906, Page 10

THE FINGER-PRINT SYSTEM.

(SPECIAL TO "THE PRESS.")

DUNEDIN, March 2. The finger-print system of detection of crime was brought to bear upon a case heard at the City Polico Court this morning. A young man, named Davis Inglifi, was charged with breaking and entering a shop at Mi''burn. Finger prints were foil nil on pieces of broken glass lying round the window, by which the entry bad been effected, and photos taken from th*se finger prints were alleged to be (in f-ome respects) identical with tlio photos of finger prints of th»_> accused that had been obtained previously. The finger print expert from Wellington (Mr Dinnie) elaborated the points of resemblance. Ho said that there wore forty corresponding points in two photcs in respect of one thumb impression. "If there were twenty-five points corresponding," said Mr Dinnie. "calculations made show that it would bo eight hundred and sixty-five thousand billion chances to one that the impressions were made by the same person nnd by the same finger." This is the first case in the South Island in which tho system has been called into requisition. The accused's defence was not disclosed, and he was committed for trial. /