"A PASSING PHASE”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 257, 31 October 1939, Page 5

" A PASSING PHASE”

REFLECTION OF SUPREME COURT LIST SEVEN CRIMINAL CASES QUARTERLY SESSIONS AT WANGANUI “I have no doubt that you may tegard this as a passing phase for the Wanganui district,” observed His Honour, Mr. Justice Smith, in his charge to the grand jury at the opening of the quarterly sessions of the Supreme Court yesterday, comment ing on the fact that there were seven criminal cases set down for review and decision by the grand jury. “I am ir. formed,” His Honour said also, "that this is the largest number for 20 years, but, after all, it is not a very large number.”

He said that there were two indictments relating to negligent driving of motor vehicles, in one case involving death and the other bodily injury. There were two charges involving protection, of the safety of individuals, apart from the motor vehicle cases; one an indictment for manslaughter arising from rather unusual circumstances concerning a shooting gallery, and the other a charge alleging the causing of grievous bodily harm. There were also three sexual cases. The following comprised the grand jury: Messrs. W. S. Burgess (foreman), W. B. Alexander, David Allan, Thos. Ballingall, N. B. Barkman, G. S. Babbage, John Beattie, W. S. Beswick, Roy Blanchett, W. A. Chainey, A. R. Chidley, G. B. Connell, J. Goss, jun., C. N. Hood. M. D. Morris, W. R. B. Nicholson, and F. W. Wilson. His Honour briefly reviewed the facts in each case and the grand jury, after questioning witnesses where thought necessary found true bills in all seven cases against: John Moetatua Raukawa, alleged assault with intent to commit rape. Rukuvvai Kiriona. alleged attempted carnal knowledge. Walter Taylor, alleged manslaughAmat Bin Awang, alleged wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm. William Alexander Chisholm, alleged indecent assault on a female. Maude Emily Buller, alleged negligent driving of a motor vehicle, thereby causing death. Henry William Mosen, alleged negligent driving of a motor vehicle, thereby causing bodily injury.