Supreme Court.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8146, 21 November 1905, Page 2

Supreme Court.

(Per Press Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH. November 20. Atthe Supreme Court this afternoon William Thomson, an ex-attendant at the Sunnysitle Mental Hospital, admitted a charge of striking a lunatic detained in the hospital. The probation report, which was very favourable, admitted that the accused had hitherto borne an excellent character, and stated that Thomson had struck in a fit of temper when under the influence of drink. His Honor said that the case was not that of a malicious or callous man abusing his authority, although there had been gross impropriety. Accused had already lost his position and had been put to heavy legal expenses. He would be fined £5.

Alfred James Warren was sentenced to six months, and Thomas Bust to two years for breaking into a bootmaker's shop and stealing goods to the value of £1 9s.

Patrick Shea was acquitted on a charge of passing a gilded shilling for a sovereign. •

Eric Peterson appeared on a charge of having attempted to cast away the Canopus by cutting the mooring line oE the vessel. No evidence was given showing an intention to cast away, and the damage done to the line was estimated by the master of the Canopus at £1. The Crown then abandoned the case, for, according to. the criminal code, mischief involves damage to the extent of at least £5, and the accused was acquitted.

WELLINGTON, Nov. 20. The criminal sessions of the Supreme Court opened to-day. True hills were found w all cases except in the charge of shooting with intent brought against Edward Gibson, late chief mate of the ship Loch Garve, and the charge of theft _ against William Hartley. John Hamilton pleaded guilty to theft from a dwelling, and was remanded in order that the Probation Officer might report on him. Edward Williamson, alias Brown, admitted to assault and robbery and was also remanded for inquiries. William Barrett was acquitted of a charge of arson near Mangaweka. The hearing of charges of forgery against James Cody stands adjourned in order that witnesses might attend. One witness, Mrs Kennedy, who failed to appear to answer to her subpoena, was fined £50. Eobert Mewhinney, charged with indecency, did not surrender to his bail, and the sureties were estreated.

. DUNEDIN, Nov. 20. At the Supreme Court, the hearing of a charge of making a false declaration against James Fulton Neil, a chemist, was proceeded with. The case arose out of a declaration made in support of some articles of apprenticeship. Accused's son had: worked for him and when applying for registration, after passing an examination, it v/as found that a proof of apprenticeship was required. The articles were prepared and then a declaration that the said articles had been signed some considerable time previously. The defence was that the declaration had been made without reading the words in it or thoroughly understanding its purport. The jury, after a brief retirement, returned a verdict of not guilty.