AUCKLAND CRIMINAL SESSIONS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1834, 14 January 1887, Page 16

AUCKLAND CRIMINAL SESSIONS.

Auckland, Jannary 10. Mr Justice Ward, in charging the grand jurycongratulated them on the material diminution in the number of cases as compared with former sessions, bat said that Auckland with its 35 oases had still the largest criminal calendar in the colony. He referred at length to the Great Barrier murder case. He said it was fortunate for the ends of justice that Caff rey and Perm had been arrested and brought here from Australia. With the defence that might be offered for them the court was not at present concerned. A prinut facie case was what the grand jury had to consider, and that seemed particularly dear. The girl Grace Cleary stated that repeatedly before the murder she had Caffrey planning it and arranging for flight. She also stated thataf ter thecommittal of the bloody deed Caffrey repeatedly acknowledged and boasted of having killed Taylor. This girl was of the lowest character, and appeared naturally desirous of clearing herself and her paramor Perm from a serious charge. But the evidence of Taylor's widow and orphan was ample without her statements. It was immaterial who fired the shot that killed Taylor, as, if the evidence was to be believed, both prisoners were present and taking part in the murder. It might appear that the prisoners went to Taylor's house for the purpose of abducting Mrs Seymour; but, even if that were bo, if murder resulted, both men were guilty of the capital offence. Emanuel Hiri^a Maori youth, from Whangarei, was sentenced to 12 months' hard labour for breaking and entering.