Supreme Court.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume X, Issue 154, 15 June 1920, Page 5

Supreme Court.

NAPIER SESSIONS.

OPEN TO-DAY.

The quarterly session of the Supreme Court opened in Napier this morning, before Mr. Justice Sim. The cases set down for hearing are as follows:—. Criminal 6, for sentence 3, civil to be heard before jury 4, civil ordinary 12, divorce 4, bankruptcy 3, in Chambers 5, motions for probate 3.

GRAND JURY. The following Grand Jury wks empannelled: C. H. Gould (Foreman) J. C. Thomson. C. N. Cotterill, _W. F. McGrath, G. W. Venables, R. W. Waterhouse, A. M. Retemeyer, J. D. Briasco, T. J. Garr, A. G. Murdock, A. A. Kennedy, W. H. Tylee, E. A. Williams, AV. Hannah, J. H. Gleadow, B. B. Creagh, F. Thorpe, J. H. Ringland, L. McClurg, A. Louden, D. Nelson, T. W. Bear, and J. P. Mahoney. HIS HONOUR’S ADDRESS. His Honour in .addressing the Grand Jury said the calendar contained six cases but only five Would be before the jury, one having been dealt with. In the five cases there was no reason why true bills should not be found. There were several offences against property, one of breaking and entering, two charges against one Maori of theft cattle, one charge of indecent exposure in a railway carriage, another charge against a Maori of indecent assault, and one public servant charged with opening a postage packet. All they had to be satisfied about was that there was something for accused to answer, that a prima face case had been made out. TRUE BILLS. True Bills were found in the following cases.— . Alfred Coleman alleged indecent exposure. ‘ Matenga Tukareaho alleged indecent assault. Frederick O. Amos, alleged unlawfully opening postal packet. John Orchard Ellis alleged breaking and entering . Turei, Rarere alleged theft of cattle (two charges). A true bill has previously been found in the charge of alleged assault against Thomas Joseph Lovett. PRISONERS FOR SENTENCE. YOUNG WOMAN ADMITTED TO PROBATION. Elsie Cullen appeared for sentence on a charge of theft. Mr. Wood appeared for prisoner, whom he stated was not yet nineteen and this was her first offence. Her parents belonged to Wellington. The prisoner ,had been in domestic service at Waipukurau, where her friendship with a man had apparently had a bad effect on her. Counsel suggested probation, so that the girl could be taken to her home, where she could be kept in the house while her mother engaged in dressmaking. He suggested that all communication with the man concerned should be banned. All money taken from her employers had been refunded. Prisoner was admitted to probation for three years, to reside with her parents, and he of good behaviour and pay the costs £7, of the prosecution, within 14 days. Mr. Wood drew attention to the fact that Mr. Cullen had had to spend a week in Napier at a cost of oven £7. His Honour said that, under the circumstances he would not order any costs, which would be deleted from the sentence.

REFORMATIVE DETENTION FOR YOUNG MAORI WOMAN

Areata Te Pua, a young Maori woman, also for sentence, on a charge of theft, was represented by Mr, Hallett, who said that, unfortunately, there was very little to be said. Prisoner had been ordered to return the money on a forgery charge and as the time for payment was over, she lost her head and stole a purse of money. . Knowing she had done wrong she then concealed the purse and money and later, when questioned. admitted the theft. T'he balance, if not. the whole of the money, was still in -the purse. She had taken a certain amount of clothing. There were three children, very young and the father, who worked away on stations, could not look after them. Reformative detention for three years was inflicted by His_Hononr. The property will bo returned. A HUNGRY THIEF. Arthur George Renney, xvho had pleaded guilty to breaking and entering and theft, said he was hungry and could not get work and he broke into places to get food. To His Honour.—He admitted previous convictf ons. His Honour sentenced prisoner to reformative detention not exceeding five years. A YOUTH’S LAPSE. John Orchard Ellis was charged with that he did. at Hastings, on February 17th., 1920, break and enter the premises of T. Clarkson Ltd., and steal £45 18 6, and one key, and, on March 22nd., did break and enter the shop of Herbert. Lambert, and steal a reveller, xalued at £3 10/-. Afr Scnnnel, for accused', said the boy had just left school and belonged to a respectable family who. at considerable inconvenience, repaid the loss. The boy had been attending the Napier High School and this occurred while

he was on holidays. Since leaving school the boy had been employed by the Tribune Ltd., with an idea of helping him along, and reported having every satisfaction with his services. The lapse was quite uninteEigible. The mother traced it to picture theatres. His Honour —These tTiings are usually traced to picture” theatres, where crime is glorified. A sentence that prisoner he releasor? on probation for a term of throe .oars, that ho he of good behaviour, that he attend no picture theatres and that he pay £l9 .costs of prosecution, within one month, was entered on the first charge. On the second ho vas ordo-od to come nn for sentence when called unon nt any time during the next three -ears.

ALLEGED ASSAULT AT WAIROA. Thomas Joseph Lovett was charged with that lie did, at Wair.w, on January .31, assault one Tami Mahunga, causing actual txxlily harm. Mr. H. A. Cornlord prosecuted and Mr. L. A. Bobers represented accused, who pleaded not guilty. Mr. W. 11. Mitchel 1 , was foreman of the jury. After hearing evidence and counsels address the jury retired at 2.50 p.ni. and returned at 3.-1 p.ia. with a verdict of not guilty.