THE COURTS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16214, 17 May 1918, Page 5

THE COURTS.

SUPREME COURT.

CRIMINAL SESSIONS

(Before his Honour Mr Justice Herdman.)

The criminal sessions were resumed yesterday. Mr S. G. Raymond, K.C., irosecuted for the Crown.

BREAKING, ENTERING, AND THEFT.

Charles Muncey was charged that (1) on March 26th, at Christchurch, lie broke and entered the premises d John Slatfer, and stole £7 in money; (2) on March 26th, at Christchurch, he entered the dwelling-house of John Slater and stole two gold bangles and three gold rings of the value of £18; (3) at Sydenham on March 28th, he broke into and entered the dwellinghouse of Mary Duggan and stole a money-box jvalued at 2s,

-Mr W. J. Hunter appeared for -the iccused, who pleaded not guilty. Mr Raymond, in outlining the case, itated that evidence of identification vould be led to establish the fact that iccused was tho man seen leaving the premises from which the money and jewels were Stolen. Evidence on the lines indicated was given. Mr Hunter, for the defence, called evidence with the object of establishing an alibi. Mr Raymond called evidence in rebuttal.

Counsel addressed the jury, and his Honour summed up.

The jury retired at 9.36 p.m., ana returned at 10.10 p.m. with a verdict of guilty in respect of tlie Slater case, and of not guilty in respect of the Duggan case.

His Honour imposed a- sentence of twelve months' imprisonment with hard labour.

The criminal sessions closed, and. the Court rose. ,

MAGISTERIAL

(Before Mr T. A. B. Bailey, SIM.) CIVIL CASES.

W. C. Tisch (Mr Sinithson) claimed £6 2s from H. K. Webb (Mr Cuniiigham), for work done. Defendant counter-claimed for £12 ss, damage alleged to have been done to defendant's property by plaintiff's workmen! Defendant admitted plaintiff's claim, and evidence was taken at some length on the counter-claim. Judgment was for tho amount claimed by plaintiff, and for £5 in respect of the amount claimed by defendant, each side to its solicitor's fee, defendant • being allowed witnesses' expenses. Judgment was given for plaintiff, by default, in each of tho following cases: —T. Armstrong and Co:, Ltd. (Mr Kincaid) v. Ned by M. Manson. claim £3 9s 6d; Andersons, Ltd., v. W. Withers, claim £3 12s.

MAORIS PUNISHED

jrBESS ASSOCIATION' TELEGRAM.)

NEW PLYMOUTH, May 16. At the Supreme Court this morning the Chief Justice delivered sentences in the Rahotu riot cases. Te Whiti was sentenced to eighten months' imprisonment and fined £20, the fine to bo paid.on releasei, in default, a further six months' imprisonment. Six other Maoris were sentenced to six months' imprisonment and fined £10, and four others to four months and fined (£7. Six were fined £5, and admitted to two years' probation. One other was fined £2 2s, and admitted to two years' probation.

WELLINGTON CRIMINAL SESSIONS. (press association telegram.) WELLINGTON, May 16. In the Supreme Court to-day Alan Talbert. for indecent assault on a male, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment with hard labour, and five years' reformative treatment. George James Mitchell, farmer, of Stokes Valley, found guilty of obtaining goods by false pretences, was sentenced to two years' imprisonment with hard labour.