AUCKLAND RIOT CHARGES

Hawera Star, Volume LI, 27 May 1932, Page 4

AUCKLAND RIOT CHARGES

SEVENTY-EIGHT WITNESSES

JURY’S VERDICT AWAITED. 'By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, May 26. The verdict is expected to-morrow in the case in which 14 men are being tried in the Supreme Court on charges arising out of the rioting which occurred in the city on the night of April 14. The hearing of evidence by witnesses for the defence was concluded this afternoon and the three counsel representing the accused completed their addresses to the jury. An unusually large number of witnesses was heard during the trial. The Crown called 52 and the defence called 26, a total of 78. Almost four days were occupied in taking evidence. Addressing the jury, counsel lor 11 of the accused submitted that those in the procession were not .responsible for the damage done while the procession was on the march. There was nothing to link any of the accused with the window-breaking. “1 do not think it will take you very long to reach a decision in these cases,” said counsel. “There is a grave danger of these men being blamed for the acts of other people.” Counsel for Sharpe and Martinovich asked why the Crown had associated James Edwards with the men on trial. The jury would have seen with what vigour the Crown Prosecutor had pursued all the witnesses along the Communistic road, but this had not been a Communistic riot. Counsel argued that Sharpe was the last type of individual to be associated with violence and disorder. He also said the police evidence against Martinovich was nebulous and unsatisfactory. Counsel for Searle said the police had made a mistake in identification. His Honour said it would be impossible to finish the,ease that evening, and the court adjourned.