SUPREME COURT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2094, 31 May 1907, Page 2

SUPREME COURT.

Press Association, AUCKLAND, Wednesday. Following on Air. Justice Denniston’s remarks yesterday that' the Supreme Court should take precedence of all other business, rather an unusual position ‘ arose this morning in the Police Court, when two youths named Robt. Pratt and Ethelbort- C. Rao were charged with setting off fireworks in Market Square. Air. Sharpies, . solicitor for defendants, pleaded not guilty. When called, the witnesses for the prosecution did not appear, and the constable in charge of the case was in attendance at the criminal sittings of the Supreme Court. Air. Sharpies promptly asked for, ami secured,, a dismissal of the charges.. > WANGANUI, Wednesday. The Supreme Court opened yesterday. Two eases were heard, both juries being locked up till late. Roper Pope, aged 67, charged with indecen> assault on an eight-year-old girl, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment. In -the ease ol Jas. Floyd, charged with cattle-stealing, the jury disagreed, and Floyd was bound o vex t'o appear when called upon. This case was before tlie Court last session when the jury failed to agree. John Fisher, found guilty of obtaining goods to the amount of £55 18s .6d from Bennett and Co., Ohakunc, was remanded till to-morrow . morning for sentence. A verdict was returned against the same accused for the theft of £9 8s 6d from a lad named Sydney White, who was employed.by Fislier at a boardinghouse at OhaIcune. A young man named McLean was found not guilty on a charge of forging a cheque'. The Judge said this was the most extraordinary case that,had come under his personal notice. Accused and two companions, named Wale and Foster, went to a hotel and a cheque was tendered in payment for drink. The liotellceeper could not swear which of the three tendered the cheque. Foster said he saw a cheque passed over the counter but could not say who passed it. Wale and accused each sworo t-liat he did not see a cheque tendered. The Judge said tlie jury had no option but to find a verdict of not guilty.