SUPREME COURT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 3711, 9 March 1901, Page 4

SUPREME COURT.

Auckland, March. 9. At the Supreme Court a middle-aged man named William Fahey pleaded not guilty to a charge of attempt to commit rape at Parnell in January on a girl aged 18 years. There were two other counts of indecent assault and committing rape on the girl. The Hon. J. A. Tole (Crown Prosecutor), in opening the case, said that prosecutor was at the time of the alleged committal of the offence in the employ of Mr Darcy, and prisoner was in the employ of the next door neighbour. The girl retired to bed on the night in question, and was awakened by what she took to bo a cat in the room. She felt something take hold, of her hand, and immediately afterwards felt a handkerchief saturated with chloroform pressed over her mouth. On regaining her senses she found the prisoner in bed with her, and on his leaving she immediately gave the alarm. Prisoner was found guilty and sentenced to ten years imprisonment.

Nelson, March 6. Reuben Snowden was acquitted on a charge of paying a young woman £5 for tho purpose of aiding her to have an illegal operation performed. Dr Leggatt, charged with performing an illegal operation, was found not guilty.

Invercargill, March 6. In the divoice case George Ann Gow v. Ellen J. Ann Gow, respondent, and George Arnal, co-respondent there was no appearance of the defending parties. A decree nisi was granted, with costs against corespondent on the lowest scale.