CASE ADJOURNED

Hokitika Guardian, 12 May 1933, Page 2

CASE ADJOURNED

MAORI ON TRIAL FOR MURDER.

(Per Press Association— Copyright.,

AUCKLAND, May 11. The Crown case was closed and the defence opened 111 the bupienie worn t in tile trial of ivivvi iVianuel, aged Lt> eiiargecl witn tne Jinuruer of Had itobsun, a iUaori dairy farmer, at I uiiepoio, near lvailaia, on January b. xne ease. Hie nearing of which commenced on Monday, is being tried by Mr justice xlerdman. Twenty-nine witnesses wore heard for the prosecution.

For the defence, Mr Trimmer contended that, a very grave mistake had been made. The Crown had made a feature of suggesting as a motive that the boy had a grudge against Robson, dating back to July last Hie defence would produce evidence to show that the boy was quite happy, and satisfied at Robson’s. llie whole of accused’s actions were definitely not those of a. guilty boy. Counsel proposed to tender evidence that, if Manuel had shot Robson, the whole of the Maori instincts in him would have prevented him running back to tend him.

His Honour; “What authority have you for giving evidence of' that kind/ Mr Trimmer; “I have no authority.”

Hiu Honour: “Of course not, yen can search and you can’t find any.” Mr Trimmer argued the point oV the admissibility of evidence of the capacity of observation of some of the Crown witnesses.

His Honour said he had heard more novel proposition on the subject ot evidence, that day than ever before. “You ought to know better, Mr Trimmer, than to tender such evidence,v he said. Mr Trimmer asked that the matter be discussed in chambers, but His Honour ruled that the proposed evidence was inadmissible.

The defence called several witnesses The case was then adjourned.