SUPREME COURT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17323, 24 May 1918, Page 6

SUPREME COURT.

ASSAULT AND THEFT CASES. (Pa United Prep" Associatiok., AUCKLAND, May 23. At tho Supreme Court Friti Schumalkuche, formerly a planter at Samoa, was chargcd with assaulting Franz Volkmer, a fellow prisoner at Motuihi, causing bodily harm. Schumalkuche admitted striking Volkmer, but raised the question of tho court's jurisdiction, claiming that he was a prisoner of war. Judge Stringer said he was prepared to refer the point to the ApDeal Court, but would try prisoner in the* meantime. Finally a plea of not guilty was entered. Evidence was given that aocused hit V olkmor after calling him opprobrious names. Accused sajd "Volkmer had created irmch. ill-feeling owing to his revolutionary views. A verdict of guilty was entered. Prisoner complained about his detention in Mount I3den Gaol for six weeke, owing to being unable to arrange bail. He had to associate with criminals, and had suffered owing to his nationality. In view of prisoner's detention at tho gaol, no sentence was imposed, and accused made no further reference to the court's jurisdiction. Vladimir Karevich, a Dalmatian, on two charges of breaking and theft and one of escape from_ custody, was sentenced to two years' imprisonment on each charge, tho terms to be concurrent.