NOT REASSURING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19768, 16 February 1927, Page 6

NOT REASSURING

LONG CRIMINAL CALENDAR SUPREME COURT SESSIONS OPEN CHARGE TO GRAND JURY Regret that the criminal calendar for disposal was so formidable was expressed by His Honour Mr Justice McGregor in his charge to the Grand Jury when the Supremo Court opened yesterdfay morning. The Court was crowded with jurors and others when His Honour took his place on the Bench. Great interest was shown in the subsequent proceedings. No fewer than ten criminal cases are to be tried during the session, and the first case, begun yesterday, lasted throughout the dfay. The following Grand Jury was chosen:—E. F. Liffiton (foreman), S. H. Hague Smith, H. E. Zicsler, T. H. Rice, J. J. Meuli*, G. F. Lgjnas, K. H. Cave, G. S. Vance, R. G. Taiboys, F. H. Caddy, A. B. Christenson, L. Pleasants, W. J. Rogers, E. Senior, G. R. Simpson, T. R. Dix, Ralph Brown, J. Berryman, Howtard Paul, C. L. Cornish, John Steel, J. P. Laird, J. H. Dean. Charge to Jurors In his charge to the jury His Honour Mr Justice McGregor expressed his regret that the calendar was a lengthy one, including several features not reassuring. There were sixteen charges against ten persons, with a number of sexual offences of a shocking character. It was further disquieting that many of those arraigned Maoris or halfcastes. In-so-far -as the cases themselves were concerned, he did not think they would cause the Grand Jury much trouble. “I need not dwell on the disgusting facts in these cases,” said His Honour, after traversing the series of cases to be presented. “They all bear similar features, and you should have no difficulty in dealing with them. ’ ’ A true bill was returned in the Hedgman case, the hearing of which commenced immediately. True bills were also returned in the other cases, also, except in the charge against a Maori named Henlare who was charged with neglecting to secure proper medical attention for his child. In this case the prisoner was discharged.