SUPREME COURT, CHRISTCHURCH.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume V, Issue 464, 4 January 1881, Page 2

SUPREME COURT, CHRISTCHURCH.

(By Telegraph)

(From our Own Correspondent)

The Supremo Court sessions opened today. In charging the jury His Honor said the calendar was a numerous -one, but nothing calling for special remark. Regarding the assault cases from Akaroa he considered they ought not to have been sent to the Supreme Court.

Charlotte Wright and Charlotte Scar-, brough were charged with assaulting W. H. Rossiter. Mr Joynt appeared for Mrs Wrigbt, and Mr Spackman for Mrs Scarbrougb.

The evidence in chief was similar to that given in the R.M. Court. In cross-exam-nation, Rossiter prevaricated, and fenced with the questions to a great extent. His Honor reprimanding him several times.

For the defence, Mrs deposed that Rossiter had said fie wanted money; and money he must and that he did not care for the whole by lot of them.

A. G. Wiggins deposed to Resetter having g-z'ven him an account, in which he stated that he should come as often as he d d well pleased, and further that lie . intended to get £20 or £30 out of them for the affair, and then proceed for breach

of promise.

In addressing the jury, Mr Joynt said it was a great pity such a trumpery caso had been sent before' them. Prosocutor had given the greatest provocation, and had told gross untruths.

In summing up, His Honor said he quito agreed with counsel that the case ought never to have been sent to that Court. At worst, a very small fine would have satisfied the ends of justice.

The jury found prisoners guilty of a common assault, with a recommendation

to mercy

In passing sentence, His Honor said prisoners had all his sympathy, but they inußt not take tbo law into their own hands. The caso ought never to have .*, been sent to that Court Prisoners wouldy be imprisoned till the rising of the Court His Honor called Rossiter" before him and reprimanded himin the strongest language telling him that he had lied in the,witness box ; that his conduct was despicable, and that ho left the Court with the contempt of everyone that had heard him He refused to allow him his expenses After about two hours' detention, prisoners were released