POLITICAL TRIALS AT HOKITIKA.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 253, 23 May 1868, Page 2

POLITICAL TRIALS AT HOKITIKA.

CoNYICTIOir OF THE ACCUSED. (ABRIDGED FEOM THE GEEY EIVEE AEGtTS.) (Before his Honor Mr Justice Richmond.) The trials of the prisoners Larkin, Manning, Melody, Barrett, Clarke, Harron, and Hannon commenced on Monday. The Court was crowded, but there was no confusion. The case for the Crown was conducted by the Attorney-General, with whom were Messrs Harvey and Button ; and the prisoners were defended by Messrs Ireland, Q.C., South, Rees, and Gruinness.

The indictment against the prisoners contained eleven counts.

The following witnesses were examined : Detectives Dyer and Browne, C. I\ Sherlock, reporter, Inspector Broham, Messrs Or. F. Sale, W. Shaw, Alfred Cleve, J. C. Harris, Gr. S. W. Dalrymple, J. M. Higgin, and J. Lazar.

Mr Ireland, as might have been ex pected, made a long and brilliant defence, and at the conclusion of the learned counsel's address, a cheer was heard in Court, which, however, was instantly suppressed. The jury found a verdict of" Gruilty," against all the prisoners, and recommended all but Larkin and Manning to mercy. On being brought up for sentence, Clarke said he did not consider the jury a jury of his countrymen. Barrett, Melody, Harron, and Hannon, said they had not intended to give offence or break the law. His Honor, in passing sentence, said that he believed their statements, and that it was through ignorance they had committed the offence, and should pass a light sentence, which was, that they each be fined the sum of £2O, or in default, be committed to gaol for one month. The Court then adjourned.

WEDNESDAY. (By Electric Telegraph. Manning and Larkin were brought up this morning for sentence on the charge of riot, and were each fined £2O without the alternative of imprisonment. On the charge of seditious libel, both prisoners withdrew the plea of not guilty, by the advice of Mr Ireland -and his coadjutors, and agreed to enter a plea of guilty. In consequence the sentence was mitigated to one month's imprisonment without hard labor. The fines inflicted for the offence of riot were all paid, and with the exception of Larkin and Manning, who have to suffer a month's incarceration, all received their liberty. The decision of the Judge has given universal satisfaction. The criminal business of the Court concluded to-day. The Court adjourned until Thursday, when it sits in its civil capacity.