Kirby and Bassett.

Thames Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8389, 27 June 1896, Page 5

Kirby and Bassett.

(Press Association)

"Wellington, Juno 26. The Waihora, with the prisoners Kirby and Bassett, arrived at noon, A large crowd assembled as the wharf to obtain a glimpse of them, but little opportunity was offered at the wharf was roped off ami the accused were hurried into a cab and driven to the Police Station. Kirby appeared to feel his position very keenly, but Bassett was rather jaunty in manner. Sift R. Stout will appear for Kirby and Mr Wilford for Bassett. Later.

Kirby and Bassett were before the Gourt at 3 p.m. There were two charges against the former, a first of blackmailing John Herman at Timaru about January 31st, 1882, by threatening to accuse him of an abeminable crime and extorting a gold watch, and a second of extorting two cheques for £400 and £300 by-similar means at the same date. Bassett was accused of aiding Kirby to escape from the colony. Mr Findlay, who appeared for Kirby, applied for a remand in tho absence of Sir R. Stout and Mr Jellicoe, both- of whom were unable to. be~present. The Crown opposed the remand on the ground that a.ccused had had plenty of time to instruct his counsel, but he chose to leave the colony instead of surrendering to his bail. Mr Martin, S.M., refused the remand, but ultimately on the Crown agreeing the case was postponed till to morrow. No application was made for bail. Bassett was remanded to Wednesday, and bail was granted on two sureties of .£2OO each. Mr Wilford, who appeared for accused, thereupon said he would prefer a remand till Monday only, which was agreed to.

On the passage over Kirby and Bassett had food given them chopped up, and they ate it with wooden forks and spoons, no knives being allowed. The three New Zealand police officers and accused occupied a large cabin in the fore part of the ship, and accused were never left alone. % system of watches was arranged by which one of the police was always awake, Kirby did not go on deck at all, and Bassett only occasionally, therefore owing to the close confinement the cabin became very stuffy, and the passage across was far from an agreeable one.