JURYMAN A FIRST COUSIN
UNUSUAL POSITION IN COURT
CASE PROCEEDS WITH 11 JURORS.
A ’ most unusual situation arose in the Supreme Court at New Plymouth yesterday during the hearing of a defended petition for divorce. After the mid-dav adjournment the foreman of ■the jury drew the attention of the judge to the ffict that one of the jurymen •had informed him that he waa a first cousin to the petitioner. ‘‘He did not.discover the relationship till lunch-time,” said the foreman, “and I thought it proper to mention it.” The case was that in whieh Harold Neaves Austin sought a divorce from ■Violet Eliza Austin on the groiittd of adultery with. Willuiift Jalues Newell* •Petitioner’s case had been closed when the foreman made his announcement. Mr. Justice Adaina referred the position to the three counsel appearing in the matter. They agreed that the hearing should go on with 11 jurors. Thereupon Hie Honour discharged the juryman in question and the Case proceeded.
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Bibliographic details
Taranaki Daily News, 19 February 1931, Page 4
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161JURYMAN A FIRST COUSIN Taranaki Daily News, 19 February 1931, Page 4
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