THE “LEADER” PICTURE CASE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXI, Issue 15333, 16 June 1910, Page 8

THE “LEADER” PICTURE CASE.

CHARGES BEFORE THE COURT. [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, June 15. The charges against Francis Edwin Tier and Michael Tior in connection, with the theft of the Leader picture from the Art Gallery were heard today. The president of the Academy of Fino Arts,. Mr 11. Wardell, in his evidence produced a'number of letters which he had received and in which the writer offered to restore the picture for a pecuniary consideration. Th© writer of the letter stated that he had got particulars of tho whereabouts of tho picture from a mate, and suggested how ho could be communicated with. Tho letters had been handed over to the police, who had inserted an advertisement in tho newspapers, and this had led to further negotiations. Subsequently tho two accused had been arrested. Both accused pleaded not guilty. They reservp/d their defence, and were committed for trial at the Supremo Court. Counsel asked the Magistrate if ho could not sec his way to reduce th© amount of bail. Sub-Inspector Norwood opposed the application, and stated that since the arrests were made, letters containing threats against Mr Wardell had been sent to that gentleman. The letters also contained threats to destroy publio property. The Magistrate said he did not see his way to reduce the bail," each accused £l6O with one surety of £l5O in each case, or two sureties of £75 each. The informationa relating to charges of breaking and entering were withdrawn by the polico.