CRIMINAL SITTINGS

Evening Star, Issue 10851, 8 February 1899, Page 4

CRIMINAL SITTINGS

WELLINGTON. The Grand Jury, in finding a true bill in the oases against Captains Allman and Von Sohoen, through the foreman inquired if it was oompetent for them to make comments. His Honor replied that he saw no objection. He believed that it was done sometimes. The foreman said the Grand Jury had desired him to express their strong disapproval of the evident interfeience by a Minister with the conduct of the routine of examinations forming the subject of this indictment. His Honor assumed that this was meant for the Press. The Foreman : It is the opinion of the Grand Jury, your Honor. The charge of manslaughter against Thomas Kelly alias Murphy, arising out of a dispute with a mate at Palmerston North, which resulted in the latter dying from a blow, was then proceeded with. Kelly was found guilty of manslaughter, and remanded for the report of tho probation officer, George M Comb (forgery). Edward Walsh (forgery, false pretences, and breaking and entering at Pahiatua), Henry Sellars (breakiug and enterirg at Palmerston North) all pleaded guilty. M'Comb was sentenced to three years and Walsh to two years. Sellars was rtmandtd for the probation officer'* report. NAPIER. In the case of Frederick Delacey, an elderly man, charged with indecent assault upon a girl eight years of age, the jury failed to agree, and, after sitting four hours, they were discharged, and a fresh trial ordered. The Grand Jury found no bill in the oase of two young men named Green and Pooock, oharged with indecent assault.