RUAWARO TRAGEDY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22268, 22 May 1934, Page 10

RUAWARO TRAGEDY

BAYLY TRIAL OPENED , DOUBLE MURDER CHARGE JURY VISITS DISTRICT (Pee United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, May 21. Contrary to expectations, there was only a small crowd at the Supreme Court this morning when the trial of William Alfred Bayly was opened. Bayly, who is 28 years old, and a farmer by occupation, was faced with separate charges of murdering Christobel Lakey and Samuel Pender Lakey on October 15. 1933, at Ruawaro, Huntly. The Crown Prosecutor (Mr V. K. Meredith), with him Mr F. M'Carthy, prosecuted. Bayly was represented by Mr B. H. Northeroft and Mr L. P. Leary, instructed by Mr P. B. Lusk. Mr Justice Herdman was on the bench. The first member of the public to arrive outside the court was a blind man, who commenced his wait at 8 o'clock. By 10 the crowd outside the court comprised only about 150, who formed a queue and filed in just before 10 o'clock in orderly fashion, men being admitted to the rear of the courtroom and women to the gallery. Women were in the minority. Seven jurymen appealed for exemption, handing in written applications to the judge. Only one was successful, and this was on the grounds of personal friendship with the accused. Exemption was refused the others.

"In ordinary circumstances I would excuse you, but in the special circumstances of the case I am sorry I cannot." his Honor said to one.

Bayly was then called and pleaded not guilty. The selection of the 12 to serve on the jury occupied considerable time. Nineteen jurymen were challenged, 14 by the Crown and five by the defence. The court then adjourned for an hour, to give the jurymen a chance to visit their homes and businesses in charge of constable in order to complete arrangements for their lengthy absence. Shortly after the adjournment, the' court resumed, and the judge announced that the jury would be taken to Ruawarn in the afternoon to inspect the Bayly and Lakey properties. The jury are not expected to return before 7 p.m. Mr Meredith will outline the Crown case to-morrow morning.

During the remainder of to-day, the court officials will be busy arranging the exhibits, which total over 250, and range from tiny phials to a pair of wheels with an axle, a sledge, and portion of a shed wall. Tho exhibits occupy a great amount of the already constricted space, special tables being installed in front of the jury box, and the remainder of the articles being piled along the walls and all over one~ side of the court.