DISTRICT COURT.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 3176, 17 July 1879, Page 2

DISTRICT COURT.

CIUMINAfi SESSIONS.

Thursday, July 17. — J3cforo His Honor J iidgo Shaw. THE MAOIU PRISONERS. The Criminal Session of the District Court was held this morning, when the 15 native prisoners were brought up for trial. Mr. Standish said : I have sixteen indictments to present against* the Maori prisoners for malicious injury to property. I have also to make application that these cases may be adjourned for a fortnight. lam instructed to make this application iv order to allow an application to be made iv the Supremo Court, in Auckland, for the change of venue of these cases to' Wellington. It is desirable that all the prisoners should be tried at the same time, so as to ensure a similarity of treatment in the cases. I would therefore ask that the cases be adjourned to the next sitting of the Court — this day fortnight. The Judge : There is no sitting fixed at present — the Court can bo held on any day. Mr. Standish : In that case I would ask that the cases be adjourned for a fortnightIt will be as well to have ample time, as 1 think the application for change of venue will have to be supported witli affidavits, which will take time to prepare. The J UDGE ; What course do you propose to adopt iv the Supreme Court in Auckland/ Mr. Standish : To sue out a writ of cortiorari to change the venue of the cases. The Judge : Yon say that proceedings have been commenced to procure a writ .' Mr. Standish : I have communicated by telegraph with the Crown Prosecutor in Auckland, and proceedings have been commenced there. The Judge : That being the case there is no choice iv the matter for this Court, it cannot go on with the cases iv the teeth of the application for change of venue. The adjournment will be granted. In the event of tile writ being granted, you will give notice of the same to the Court I Mr. Standish : Yes, your Honor, I will inform the Court at*once. I would suggest that the Clerk of the Court be authorised to insert a notice in the newspapers to that effect, so as to do away with the necessity of witnesses attending the next sitting. The Judge: The witnesses will understand that they arc relieved from their attendance until the expiration of fourteen days, unless further notice is given. Mr. Standish : Perhaps it would be advisable to follow the custom of Iho Supremo Court before the adjournment hikes place — • to read the titles of the indictments. The Clerk of the Court then read over the titles of the sixteen indictments. Fifteen indictments were preferred against the prisoners individually, and one against them collectively, for malicious injury to property. Tho .ludge instructel Iho [ulerpreter to inform tho prisoners that tho hearing of their cases was adjourned for fourteen days. The Court then adjourned until the 131 st insl., at 10 o'clock.