COMMITTED FOR TRIAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2664, 5 April 1905, Page 27

COMMITTED FOR TRIAL.

In answer to the usual cautions, the accused reserved their defence.

The Magistrate : Then you both stand committed for trial at the next criminal sessions of the Supreme Court at Dunedin.

Mr Hanlon asked for bail.

Mr Fraser urged that bail sJiould be substantial, and quoted Mr Justice Coleridge in the case of Regina v. Robertson on tho principle? of bail. Mr Fraser also mentioned that Moses's security was his father.

The Magistrate said this was not an ordinary case. There was a serious crima alleged, and a!go a great breach of trust. It was not an ordinary criminal charge. Mr Hanlon said it could not be suggested there would be any freemasonry amongst the police to assist in the escape of these two men. The innocent men would regard it as a special duty to see that the guiltyones were brought to h'stiee, an 3he did not see why the -bail should -be more heavy in the case of the two accused than in any other caxs of men charged with breaking and entering.

Mr Fraser said, supposing these two men were granted nominal bail and they •escap?d, the whole force would be accused of connivance. There were other charges vet.

HEAVY BAIL FIXED.

Tho Magistrate said he could not regard this as an ordinary charge. At. one time his mind was made up that if defence waa reserved bail would be refused, but a.s the Crown Prosecutor did not press that point h& (tho Magistrate) would grant bai?. Ifc must be substantial, and he would double the previous bail. Each accused would bo required to outer into recognisances for £400 and <n find two additional securities for £200 each.