SUPREME COURT HOKITIKA

Grey River Argus, 19 September 1918, Page 3

SUPREME COURT HOKITIKA

(Before Mr. Justice Sim.) His Honour took his seat at. J.l a.m, yesterday. ' i nomus Coll appeared on an indictment that lie div commit theft of 143 opossum skins at Kanieri Lake on 29th June, 191H, such. skins being the property of the New Zealand Government, and being valued at £20. Mr. Park appeared tor the Crown, aim Mr. Joyce for the accused. The following Grand Jury were empanolieu:—Johu Lloyd, Ernest AppleI ton, William H. Burrows, Emanuel j bowden, Thomas 11. Chesterman, Arthur Clifton, Joseph Hairei, W. G. Keller, David Jellie, T. K. Hickson, H. A. Harker, Duncan Davidson, Albert F. Hansford, James Foote, Reginald J. Fane, Peter Daly, L. \V. Dwan Joseph Kidd, Albert J. King, John Bradley, Albeit J. Cropper, James Duncan, Joseph Brockleburst. Mr A. Clifton was chosen foreman. HIS HONOUR'S CHARGE. ' v His Honour in addressing the Grand Jury said there was only one case that needed their attention. It was a case where a young man, Thomas^Coli was charged with theft as above described. After traversing at considerable length the evidence g.ven in the Lower Court, his Honour, said that" the whole evidence was circumstantial. A grand jury should not send a man to trial on suspicion alone. There must be some .definite proof before there is a pi\ma facie case to go before a common jury. If they considered that accused was" there on suspicion alone, then they should nofc send him to trial before a. common jury. Thei-jury then retired. The /members of the Common Jury were then called and sworn in. Mr J. J. Williams produced a certificate from the Fire Brigade and on those grounds was excused. . • , The Grand Jury returned after 45 minutes retirement with "No bill." The prisoner was acquitted. In answer to his Honour's query, the foreman stated that they had no recommendations to make. They were dismissed with the thanks of their country. The Court Rose at 12.30 p.m.