SUPREME COURT

Greymouth Evening Star, 30 July 1929, Page 5

SUPREME COURT

WIFE-CRUELTY CHARGE “LIFE OF A DOG” (Per Prea* Anßociation.) AUCKLAND, July 30. Addressing the Grand Jury at the Supreme Court criminal sessions, Justice Herdman said that never in his experience had he encountered a charge such as that levelled against a Waerenea farmer, Peter Alexander Elmsley, of having failed to provide his wife with the necessities of life. It appeared from the evidence in the lower court thal he and his two daughters had consistently ill-treated Mrs. Elmsley for six or seven years. Indeed, the evidence suggested that she was compelled to live the life of a dog. His Honor- said he would not soil his lips by repeating words that were used to her. The Crown must show that accused had charge of the woman, that she was unable to withdraw from him owing to seclusion, of the fact that she was cowed, and then that he had failed in his duty toward her, and caused her permanent injury by failing to provide her with the necessities of life. There was abundant evidence ,to warrant the Grand Jury returning a true bill.

WHITE GLOVES. PALMERSTON N., July 30. The quarterly session of the Supreme Court opened this morning before Mr Justice Smith. As there were no criminal cases His Honor was presenteed with a pain* of white gloves. His Honor congratulated the town and the district upon the absence of crime. The last occasion when there were no criminal cases were the quarterly session in February, 1926, and prior to that the August and November sessions, 1918. DUNEDIN CRIMINAL SESSIONS. DUNEDIN, July 30. The criminal sittings of the Supreme Court opened this morning before Justice Kennedy, with four cases for trial, two sexual and two dishonesty. When Francis Joseph Gantley was charged with carnally knowing a girl over the age of 12 but under sixteen, the Crown stated that the principal witness in the case had, tlyjs morning given birth to a child, was impossible to call her as a witness. The case was thereupon adjourned till next session. Frederick Artßur Lloyd pleaded not guilty to stealing between October 1924 and March, 1929, the sum of £419, while, clerk of the Maniototo County Council. (Proceeding).