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New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume XVII, Issue 1724, 8 February 1862, Page 4

The Supreme Court at Nelson sat for the hearing of Criminal cases before his Honor Mr. Justice Johnston, on Wednesday, the 15 th January, and terminated on Saturday, the 18th. The minor cases being disposed of, Joseph Ellis was indicted for the wilful mur murder of Esau Russ, on the 2nd day 'of November last, and after a lengthy trial a verdict was returned by the jury of manslaugh ter; when his Honor, after addressing the prisoner, sentenced him to ten years’ imprisonment within the gaol at Nelson, with hard labour. Matilda Haslam was next indicted for having, on the 22nd day of October last, murdered her own female child. This trial occupied a considerable time, and terminated in the jmy returning a verdict of manslaughter. His Honor a Idressed the prisoner at some length, and then sentenced her to twelve months’ imprisonment, with hard la hour. Pepene, an aboriginal native, was next indicted for having, on the IGth of September last, wilfully murdered Pare, an aboriginal native woman, who had lived with him as his wifo. This trial throughout excited a great deal of interest. The jury retired, and after two hours' absence, brought in a verdict of wilful murder, but recommended the prisoner to mercy. His Honor having put the question to the jury why they recommended the prisoner to mercy, received lor answer that the prisoner bad received great provocation caused by jealousy. His Honor, putting on the black cap, addressed the prisoner, through the Native Interpreter, at great length, and then passed the extreme sentence of the law. His Honor, shortly addressing the gentlemen of the jury, discharged them from their onerous duty; and the Court was then adjourned till Tuesday, the 21st January, for the despatch of Civil business.