OPENING OF SESSION

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28343, 31 July 1957, Page 18

OPENING OF SESSION

Eight Cases For Trial True bijls were returned on ali eight bills of indictment considered by a grand jury at the opening of .the Supreme Court session before Mr Justice Adams yesterday. The calendar on this occasion was not an abnormally heavy one. said his Honour addressing the grand jury. There were only eight bills of indictment to be placed before them. His Honour outlined the law relating to three of the cases, that of attempting to procure noxious things, one of indecent assault on a male, and charges against a motorist of negligent driving causing death, failing to stop after a collision, and failing to ascertain if any person had been injured. He said there were also five charges involving dishonesty. “I do not think I need explain the law in regard to those charges,” his Honour said. 4’Questions of law are only for decision, by the judge. If yon are in any doubt about these questions you should bring them back into Court for my ruling.” His Honour asked the grand jury not to reject any bill of indictment without first giving him the opportunity of discussing the facts. He reminded them that the grand jury’s task was to'consider the case presented by the Crown and to determine i whether there was sufficient evidence to warrant putting the accused person on trial before a common jury. 1 \

Few Ships at Lyttelton.—There are few ships in port at. Lyttelton at present. Yesterday . 230 waterside workers failed t« secure engagement. /