The Brown Case.

Opunake Times, Volume III, Issue 154, 24 December 1895, Page 2

The Brown Case.

Wellington, December 21

After a five days' trial,- the jury in the charge of an illegal operation against J. H. Brown, brought in a verdict of Guilty at 11.15 last night. Sentence was deferred. The Crown Prosecutor intimated that he would state this morning what course he intended to take in the remiuning cases. Mr Chief Justice Prendergast sentenced prisoner to 18 years' penal servitude. He said he had no doubt he had been carrying on this business for some time. Out of the treasury accumulated from bis wretched trade Brown had sent away his partner in a drunken state in order that he might not be able to give evidence against him, but still he did not refrain from attempting to cast the onus of the crime on his partner. Even a burglar and thief would not take such a course. His Honor was satisfied that accused himself was responsible for the trade, and his defence showed that he was not worthy of any consideration from the Court. His Honor said in his opinion the young women concerned in the case, iu coming forward and giving evidence as they had done, had performed a public duty, and their action would go far towards redeeming their characters.