MURDER CHARGE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21805, 21 May 1934, Page 11

MURDER CHARGE

RUAWARO MYSTERY TRIAL OF WILLIAM BAYLY HEAR'ING BEGINS TO-DAY MUCH/ PREPARATION NEEDED Special arrangements for accommodation have been made for the trial of William Alfred Bayly on a double murder charge, which is to commence before .Mr. Justice Herdman in the Supreme Court this morning. Bayly, who is a farmer, 28 years of age, is charged with murdering Samuel Tender Lakev and his wife, Christobel Lakey, Jlt Kuawtfro, near Huntly, on October 15. The hearing had been set down for the previous session of the Supreme Court, but an adjournment until the present session was obtained by the ■defence, the date of the trial being fixed by/ arrangement. Mr. Meredith 11 ml Mr. .McCarthy will appear for tlto Crown, find the defence is in the hands of 111". Xorthcroft and Mr. Learv. There will be a considerable strain upon the facilities at the Supreme Court. Large attendances of the public n re anticipated, and it is proposed to reopen the women's gallery, which has been closed since the trial of Arthur Thomas Munn in May, 1930. Those allowed in tlie. body of the Court will be restricted in number, but it is expected tliat there will be one bench available to solicitors desirous of following the proceedings.

There is some speculation regarding the duration of the trial. It is not anticipated that the proceedings will be completed within four weeks, and tho general expectation is that the case will last about five weeks. The hearing of evidence for the Crown i:n the Police Court in January, before Mr. Wyvern Wilson, S.M., occupied 10 days, including two evening session;!). The ' exhibits totalled 251, a figure which is believed to be a record in New Zealand, and the typewritten sheets of the evidence numbered 245.

Very thorough arrangements have been necessary for the, handling of the exhibits during the trial. Similarly, a large amount of organisation has been demanded for marshalling the witnesses/'' who number more than 60. Many are from the Ruawaro district, and they will be brought to the city by special car as required.

Forty-nine jurymen have been summoned to attend the Court this morning. As the cards are drawn from the jury box for the selection of 12, the defence has the privilege of six challenges. The Crown can stand aside as many as it desires. The members of the jury, once it has been empanelled, will not bo permitted to return to their homes until the conclusion of the trial, and the police will be required to arrange to bring clothing and necessities to the members. The jury will be accommodated at the Station Hotel, and much has been done for their comfort. A wireless set has been installed in a special sitting room for the entertainment of the members. The jury has the privilege of deciding- upon a reasonable amount of entertainment, such as theatres and outings, but it will always be under the strict supervision of two constables. Ifc is suggested that the jury should watch Rugby football matches at hden Park next Saturday, and arrangements are already in hand with that end in view.