SUPREME COURT

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 June 1928, Page 5

SUPREME COURT

GREYMOUTH SITTING PRISONERS SENTENCED With a comparatively light calendar, the Greymouth sitting of the Supreme Court opened to-day, Mr. Justice Adams presiding. In the absence of Mr. F. A. Kitchingham (owing to illness), Mr. J. Park, of Hokitika, appeared as Crown Prosecutor. The following Grand Jury was empanelled: Messrs F. W. Shallcrass (foreman), 11. H. Herring, J. H. North, j| Kyle, H. B. Chalk, T. G. Jones, L. A. Inkster, W. F. Harley, J. Collogan, F. Congreve, G. H. Herring, and D. Douglas. “There is very little to engage your attention this morning,” said His Honor, addressing the Grand Jury. “Until a little while ago we thought it would probably bo unnecessary to have you. There is one case, however, against. Arthur William Haggis, a seaman, who is charged with having indecently assaulted a young lad in one of the public conveniences at Greymouth. You have to take that matter into consideration. However, the whole question is a very simple one, and you will have no difficulty whatever in coming to a conclusion. The evidence seems to be very clear. I will not detain you further.” The Grand Jury retired at 11.22 a.m., and returned at 12.25 p.m. with a true bill.

Haggis, who pleaded guilty, was represented by Mr. W. J. Joyce, who put in a plea for leniency. His Honor sentenced Haggis to six months’ imprisonment, to date from March 12, since when he has been in custody. Aubrey Morel (Mi- W. J. Joyce) appeared for sentence on a charge of mischief and three charges of breaking, entering and theft. He was admitted to probation for three years, and ordered to pay the costs of the prosecution, £3/6/10; the moneys not accounted for, £2/11/3; and the cost of replacing a broken plate-glass window, io be fixed by the Probation ’Officer, the money to be paid within 12 months.

John Selwyn Senior (Mr Joyce) appeared for sentence on a charge of breaking, entering and theft. He was admitted to probation for three years, and was ordered to pay £l/11/the costs of the prosecution. Other conditions of probation were that he is not to enter a billiard room without the permission of the Probation Officer, and is to attend places of entertainment only as approved by the Probation Officer.

IN DIVORCE.

On the application of Mr. Joyce, a decree nisi was made absolute in the case of Annie Gillingham v. James Henry Gillingham. Mary Isabella Glover (Mr. Joyce) was granted a decree nisi against William Albert Glover, on the ground of constructive desertion. The decree is to be made absolute in three months, petitioner being granted custody of the two children Arnold William Thomas (Mr. J. W. Hannan) was granted a decree nisi, on the ground of desertion, against Elsie May Thomas, to be moved absolute after three months. Kathleen Vera Kirk (Mr. Hannan) was granted a decree nisi against Frederick William Kirk, to be moved absolute after three months, respondent not having complied with an order for conjugal rights. Charlotte Olsen (Mr. Morgan, Reefton) was granted a decree nisi against Nels Ivan Emil Olsen, to be moved absolute after three months, petitioner being given the interim custody of the child. The parties have been separated since 1922.

IN BANKRUPTCY. William T. Sharp (represented by Mr W. J. Joyce) was granted a discharge from bankruptcy. In the following cases, orders for the release of the Official. Assignee were made C. L. Schaef, W. T. Sharp, T. AV. Morgan, Wylde Brothers, T. Studley, J. lleinera and E. Laverty. GENERAL BUSINESS. In the case of R. Hannah and Co., Ltd., and J. A. Hart, builder, an application to set aside the award of an arbitrator, Mr H. W. (for Hannah and Co.) applied for an adjournment, stating that an application would probably be made to have the case heard at Christchurch. An adjournment was granted, sine die.

The application by John Drake, builder (Air W. F McCarthy) for an older enforcing the award of an arbitrator against Baliay Saraty (All - J. Park) was struck out, on the application of Air AlcCarthy, who stated that consent to the award had been filed. The application, by Aliss Saraty, for an order setting tthe award aside, was also struck out.' \ After legal argument, his Honor allowed each side £6 6s costs, and disbursements. A motion to re-register an instrument under the Chattels Transfer Act, moved by Air W. P. AlcCarthy, was granted.