SALE OF SECURED STOCK

Gisborne Times, Volume LXIII, Issue 10141, 29 October 1925, Page 7

SALE OF SECURED STOCK

MAN CHARGED WITH DEFRAUDING CROWN. JURY STATE ACT NOT '• ' CRIMINAL. • NEW TRIAL ORDERED. WELLINGTON, Oct. 28. At the Supreme Court Edward Walter Perry, a soldier settler, was charged with defraud.ng the Crown by selling stock subject to bills of sale given to. the Lands Department as security for advances by the Department. - . . The Chief' Just'eo asked the jury to sav “yes” or “no” to the question submitted whether the accused did sell the :,stuck. The jury replied that accused, had dispensed! w th the stock and intended to rep'.ace it with no intent to defraud. ’ r Some controversy arose between His Honor and the jury as to whether they would give a strnightout answer to the issue placed before them. • . , ■ . The jury again retired and remained out for three hours, and, returned and intimated they thought it not a criminal act. The prisoner intended to replace the stock as was tlie 'custom. . ' The Judge sa*d it" was eqiuva ent to. ■a 'disagreenient,' and: a ..new trial was held.—P.Ab ; •,UUu, U -;