Third ‘secret trial’ begins

Press, 15 July 1980, Page 2

Third ‘secret trial’ begins

NZPA Wellington A third “secret” trial began in the High Court yesterday. It is the last of a series of such trials before Mr Justice Quilliam and a jury in which publication of the proceedings has been prohibited. The first trial began on May 19 and lasted two weeks. The second, which finished just over a week ago, took three weeks.

In each case two men faced a joint criminal charge, the nature of which cannot be publicly divulged. His Honour has made identical orders in each case, prohibiting publication. The orders were made after representations had been made to him in chambers. Mr K. G. Stone, prosecuting, said the Crown had opposed the making of the

orders and counsel wished that to be made known in open court. Before the jury was empanelled, married women called for jury service were asked by the registrar to give their husbands’ occupations and state whether they were employed in the public service.

His Honour said that because of the expected length of the trial — about four weeks — some jurors might wish to apply for exemption for personal reasons. Eight jurors who applied were excused service by His Honour. A jury of seven women and five men was empanelled. Mr C. H. Toogood, is appearing with Mr Stone for the Crown. Mr M. P. Reed and Miss N. J. Mathers, appear for one accused, and Mr A. A. T. Ellis and Miss M. Braithwaite for the other.