SUPREME COURT.

Feilding Star, 16 May 1907, Page 4

SUPREME COURT.

[pen press association.] Wellington, May 15. Elizabeth Buckmaster, alias Sylvester, charged with theft, was foun-1 guilty of receiving stolen property. She was committed to the Salvation Army Home and ordered to appear for sentence when called upon. Christchurch, May 15. Michael Wall, found guilty at th<: Supreme Court to-day, of assault at Halswell, ( was sentenced to oiv; month's imprisonment. Ernest Al-l-eit Stevens was found guilty of assault wffch intent to rob, sentence being deferred till to-morrow Edith Matheson Malzard was found guilty of wilfully neglecting her infant child in a manner likely to cause mjiuy to health. Accused, who is addicted to drink, left her infant for several days in the care of a girl of fourteen while she was away from home and was discovered gna'lly suf feiing fr>m helpless drunkenness. Sentence was deferred till to-day. In the ca.*a against Hehir, alias Smithers, of attempted murder of Nellie Jackson, at the Supreme Court to-day, the jury after ten minutes' retirement found prisoner guilty. The woman's throat was shockingly cut by piisoner on the night of April 5. His honor Justice Chapman said the jury would have failed in their duty had they brought in any other verdict. There were absolutely no mitigating ciicumstdnces. If thd woman's life had not be3;i saved morel- by the skill of the hospital staff accused would have been found guilty of murder, and he could imagine no ground that would have induced bis Majesty's Government to spare his life. Ho would be failing, in the performance of his duty to society were he to pretend to discover any mitigating circumstances. There was but one course ope.i to him, and that was to inflict the highest sentence which the law allowed. Accused was sentenced to be imprisoned with hard labour for tho rest of his life. Gisborne, May 15. Thos. Powdrill, on a charge of forging and uttering a cheque for £97 14s, was acquitted. Oliver Goldsmith, chirged with obtaining £30 13s 6d by false pretences, was acquitted. James Jones got six months-, and Harry Parker twelve for theft or goods valued at £7.