CRIMINAL SITTINGS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13077, 13 September 1904, Page 5

CRIMINAL SITTINGS.

(Teh United Press Association.) GISBORNE, September 12. At tha Supremo Court Daniel To Ilau, a boy, who pleaded guilty to forgery, was sentenced to ono year's hard labour. His Honor said the forgory was a very skilful ono and not tlio design of n schoolboy, His' Honor added that, having examined the signatures on tho depositions and other documents, ho found it very hard to decido thsio tho signature was not concocted by the father. Ho understood two bank clerks were responsible for tho amount of tho cheque. Ho thought it very unfair under tho ciroumstancca, as it was such it skilful forgery any official would have accepted tho cheque. Ho hoped these young gentlemen would not bo compelled by tho bank to pay tho amount. WANGANUI, September 12. The Supreme Court sessions opened hero this morning, Mr Justice Cooper presiding. His Honor congratulated the district on tho fact of an almost entire absence of crime. The Grand Jury presented the following resolution to his Honor:—"That tho Grand Jury, while recognising tho duty of nil citizens to servo their country, have a strong objection to taking part in proceedings that are of no utility, and which they feel to bn a waste of time, and llioy are tliereforo of opinion that tho Grand Jury system ought to bo abolished." There were only two criminal cases. James M'Allcy was sentenced to two years' imprisonment for attempted theft and breaking tho terms of a probation order. William Blackmorc was acquitted on a. charge of uttering and forgery.