TRIAL OF BAYLY

Grey River Argus, 15 February 1934, Page 5

TRIAL OF BAYLY

POSTPONED TILL MAY At Request of Defence (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND. February 14. Accused on two separate charges of murder. William Alfred Bayly, aged 28, farmer, of Ruawaro. made his first appearance in the Supreme Court this afternoon. Mr Justice Herdman was on rhe bench. The charges against That at Ruawaro, on or about October 15 last, he did murder Christobel Lakey ami, further that, at Ruawaro. on or about October 15 last he did murder Samuel Pender Lakey, Mr A' R. Meredith -jipeared for the Crown, and Mr E. Nnrtherofp. with [Whom was Mr Lusk, for Bayly. The time set down fur Bayly’s appearance had not been announced, so that very few members of the public were present when he appeared. Mr Nor'hcroft said he had asked that the case be mentioned for the purpose of ascertaining at what time it was like’v to go forward. The depositions wore very lengthy, as the result <1 months of research by the police, and the case was presented only a few weeks ago. At the present moment, the work of the polie* was being investigated by the defence. It had not yet been completed. In fact, it had onl-v been commenced.. 1! would be quite impossible to present an adequate case for the defence and an adequate case ou behalf of the accused in the near future. His Honor. It is for you to say. The Court is ready at any time. and. I gather, the Crown is ready, too Mr Norther oft pointed out that East, er law vacation would occur on Maccli 29. Judging by the time the ease took in the Police Court, he gathered that, it would take three or four weeks to complete the Supreme Court hearing, and it would consequently run over the Easter holidays. His Honor: When would you be ready? Mr Northcroft: At the present moment, T am frankly unable to say. His Honor: You need a postponment? Air Northcroft: Yes. His Honor: I am prepared to meet you in any way. ‘‘lt appears that it would be the better plan to take it at the commencement of (he next sittings, ’’ said His Honor. Mr Meredith. That would be most convenient. 1 appreciate my friend’s difficulty. It is a. very large case. Every facility that is desired should bo given to the defence. I am ready to His Honor: I suppose there will be a lot of expert evidence? Mr Northcroft: I think so Tn the meantime, the expert examination, of evidence tendered by the Crown is taking place. “I think the application fo r a. postponment of the case is a reasonable one.” said His Honor. The -evidence given by the expert witnesses called by the Crown makes a. careful, and, perhaps, a. prolonged investigation necessary. So. it is but right that the defence should be afforded every facility for considering and meeting the ease made out. The application will be granted, ami thy case will stand over as requested by counsel for the defence, until next sittings. A dale cun be fixed later.

Next sittings of the Court in Auck land open on May 1.