CHRISTCHURCH SUPREME COURT.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 10624, 1 June 1897, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH SUPREME COURT.

Chiustchurch, Monday. The criminal sessions of tbe Supreme Court were opened this morniDg before Mr Justice Denniston. His Honor, in oharging tbe Grand Jury, said the cases, with one exception, were of the usual oharaoter. Witb regard to tbe Amberley murder the case presented no difiioulty whatever. Tbey had the fact that the girl was killed nnder olroamstanoes wbioh showed olearly tbat she had been mnrdered. Then there was the faot that tho aoonsed prisoner was seen in the neighborhood where the orlme was oom mltted, and added that tbey had tbe statement by sooased, under his own hand, that he oommitted the crime. He had nothbg farther to say on the matter, except that it was their obvious duty to send the oase for trial. The Grand Jury found a true bill, and Mr Joynt has been BBBlgned by the Court to conduct the defence. He applied for a postponement af tbe trial for a while, and his Honor said ho did not Intend to take tbe oaee till Wednesday, bnt Mr Joynt oonld then make another application for a postponement if neoessary. William Gear pleaded polity to stealing a bicycle, and was admitted to probation for 12 months, Albert Flndlay, for stealing a watch and chain, was admitted to probation for six months and ordered to pay £10, the oosts of the prosecution.

For breaking and entering and arson William Williams got four years ; R9gan Williams, one month for breaking, entering and stealing ; James Pearson, three years; Edward Hebden Broderlck, for theft, four months.