Supreme Court.

Thames Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 8604, 8 March 1897, Page 2

Supreme Court.

THE PETONE MURDER,

(Feb Press Association.)

Wellington, March 8. The Criminal Sessions opened before Judge Edwards this morning. There was au unusual number of applications by Grand Jurymen to be let oft', all of which were allowed, though His Honor remarked that at one time it seemed as if they would not get a jury at the rate they were going.

Coninienting on the calendar, Judge Edwards said the most serious charge was that of murder against Bosher. There were a large number of witnesses, but the evidence against the prisoner appeared to be reduced to the discovery of footprints like his feet would have made; that he had made some attempt to conceal a knife with which the murder might have been committed, and his agitated demeanour. If tried now and acquitted acquitted he could not be re-tried, no matter what fresh evidence cropped up, and as the man was safe in gaol, where he was undergoing a sentence of two years, His Honor thought the jury's safest course would be to ignore the Bill, for they could practically effect no harm by so doiug. The case against Chappell for alleged injury to Jessie Hay by placing her ou a lire and burning her, was adjourned till next session as the woman could oot give evidence for a mouth. Bail was allowed.