SUPREME COURT.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXVI, Issue 17569, 13 May 1919, Page 5

SUPREME COURT.

AT WELLINGTON. f

(Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, May 12

The criminal session of the Supreme Court opened to-day. The Chief Justice regretted that the calendar showed an increase in crime in the district, there being twenty persons set down for trial. Unfortunately there were several sexual cases, eight persons being charged with this class of offence. In the case of Michael Falvey, charged with using obscene language, His Honour stated that the accused was mentally weak, and was ordered twelve months' imprisonment, if possible at Invercargill. William Henry Aspinall, charged with carnally knowing a girl under the age of sixteen, was found guilty on three other counts, and was remanded for sentence.

NEW PLYMOUTH SITTINGS

(Per Press Association.)

NEW PLYMOUTH, May 12

The Supreme Court opened before Mr. Justice Hosking. He congratulated the grand jury on the lightness of the calendar, there being only one case—indecent assault preferred against an elderly man at Mokau. A true bill was returned.

A native named Huia Kai Thompson who pleaded guilty in the lower court to obtaining money and goods at Hawera by passing valueless cheques, was admitted to three years' probation and ordered to pay the costs of the prosecution and repay the moneys obtained at the rate of £2 10s per month. No order was made in respect of £32 obtained by cheques cashed in a hotel all on one tiay

Alljprt Charles Ogilvle vas retried on several charges of stealing cattle about Hawera in May last. The jury disagreed- last session. The case is proceeding.