SUPREME COURT.

Evening Post, Volume LX, Issue 116, 13 November 1900, Page 5

SUPREME COURT.

CRIMINAL SESSIONS. YESTERDAY'S PROCEEDINGS. (Before Mr. Justice Edwards.) THE PALMERSTON ARSON CASE. Masry Hjvwkins was charged with having committed arson at Palmerston North on. 22nd September. Accused pleaded Not Guilty, and was defended by Mr. Moore, of Palmerston North. Mr. H. W. Burgess was foreman of the jury. In opening the case for the Crown Mr. H. D. Bell said there was considerable insurance on the shop and dwelling which accused was alleged to have set on fire on 22nd September. After the ! fire had been put out evidence was found of the presence of kerosene in quantities. Accused alone occupied the house, and was the only person interested in it. On the Crown proposing to use as evidence the depositions of a principal witness taken in the Magistrate's Court, because the witness (Mrs. Smith) was unable to attend, Mr. Moore raised the objection that the evidence related to a matter similar to, but unconnected with, the present case. His Honour allowed the depositions to be read to the jury, but said the point could *be reserved if necessary. The evidence for the prosecution was not concluded when the Court adjourned for the day. NO BILL. The Grand Jury threw out the indictment against A. H. Banks, charged with an indecent assault at Levin. TRUE BILLS. True Bills were returned in the following cases' : — Frederick Joseph, carnally knowing ; Sydney Edward Bluett, indecent assault (two charges) ; Andrew Quinlan, assault with intent to commit rape. The Grand Jury was not able to complete its work at the one sitting.