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NZ Truth, Issue 107, 6 July 1907, Page 7

Respectability is a very tender plant with some people. An accused person, who appeared m the Supreme Court at Napier the other day annoyed the Bench. He was a youne; man of immaculate appearance a lid pleaded not guilty to charges of arson and burglary at Dannovirke. Consequently the prosecution had to ro on with its case, calling no less than 14 witnesses, mcliidine; a Chinaman. The accused did not cross-examine any of the witnesses, and at the conclusion of tihe evidence said he had nothing to say to the jury. He ha.'di written to several prominent gentlemen, asking them to five evidence as to character, but he did not think any of them could assist him on his charges. His Honor thought it was .a peculiar stand to take to plead not guilty, and then refrain from questioning tho evidence or attempting to palliate his faults. Has his Honor yet to learn that it is the duty of the Crown to prove a charge, not for the accusled to confess and save trouble. The Bench needn't be annoyed. It ought to be more dignified than to be troubled with such a little mntter as the Crown Prosecutor being obliged to earn his salary..