SUPREME COURT.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2142, 6 January 1881, Page 3

SUPREME COURT.

OEIMIN L SITTINGS. Thursday, January 6. [Before his Honor Mr Justice Johnston.] CHABQR TO THR GRAND JURY. His Honor, addressing the Grand Jury, said—l had boon in hopes that I would bo in a position to address you on the subject of the perjury case, which I mentioned to you before, but a curious sort of contretemps has taken place, the original record has been referred to the Court of Appeal for the purpose of ascertaining whether or not there is an error in it in point of law. That would not affect the question of perjury, but it was necessary to have the records in order to found the proceedings upon them. The Court of Appeal sat on Tuesday. It was supposed that they would have the record today. The case, however, had not been determined, and the Court had adjourned till the 14th. The officer of the Court considered that they were not sufficiently instructed to be able to send down the record and return it to Wellington in time fcr the adjourned sitting. His Honor then proceeded to say that to-day a very serious case would be submitted to the Grand Jury, namely, the anticipated charge of murder, the person who was injured having died since Monday, and the prisoner—a person named Gibson—has been committed to take his trial at the present sittings of the Supreme Court on a charge of wilful murder. Addressing Mr Duncan, the Crown prosecutor, His Honor asked if he thought it necessary to have the depositions of the deceased placed before the Grand Jury ; there seemed to be quite sufficient evidence without it. Mr Duncan—Quito sufficient, your Honor. His Honor said the case was one about which there could be little doubt, and then proceeded to refer to the circumstances of it, which have already been made known through the public press. Tho Grand Jury then retired. They shortly afterwards returned into Court with a true bill against William Pringle Gibson, charged with the wilful murder of Wm. Korriuon. ALLEGED WILFUL MURDER. His Honor —I understand, Mr Holmes, that you are instructed in tho case of Gibson ?

Mr Holmes—Yes, your Honor, His Honor—Do you desire any postponement of the trial ?

Mr Holmes replied in tho negative. His Honor thought there was a certain amount of reasonableness in counsel making the request. Had he (Mr Holmes) been preprepare the Court would have been ready to proceed with the case, but in so serious a case, even the appearance of hurry' should be avoided

Mr Holmes remarked that it would be impossible for him to procure the witnesses for a day or two, as some of them lived on the Hakaia Plains.

His Honor deprecated a delay extending beyond this week, and ho could not take the case on Saturday. Mr Holmes explained that bo had only that morning received instructions. Hia Honor—But you must remember that tho man’s death occurred only on Tuesdoy last, it has been a long time expected. However, I do not wish to hurry it. Mr Holmes reminded the Court that the affair out of which the case arose only occurred on Christmas Day. His Honor —Can you be ready by Monday P Mr Holmes—l think so, your Honor. Hia Honor said, no trouble or inconvenience should be allowed to interfere with a oaso of such a serious nature, but he found !)bat there wore six special jury oases set down for hearing, besides some compensation oases.

It was at this stage the Grand Jury brought in the true bill against Gibson.

Mr Holmes—l now formally apply to your Honor for a postponement of Gibson’s case, to give me time to procure evidence. His Honor —I think it is reasonable that you should ask it. Do you think you will be quite prepared on Mondoy morning ? Mr Holmes—Yes, your Honor, I have no doubt I shall.

His Honor—Then the case will be postponed till that date. Addressing the Grand Jury, who were in waiting, hia Honor expressed regret that necessity compelled their prolonged attendance, and asked them to be in attendance at four o’clock that afternoon.

To the gentlemen of the common jury, his Honor said he was sorry that so much of their time should be occupied, but it was not to be avoided under the circumstances. He could not now discharge them, as a case would probably be tried next morning should a true bill be found—alluding to the perjury case. They would, therefore, be in attendance to-morrow morning at ton o’clock. The Court then adjourned till four o’clock.

THE KEITEN CONCERTS. The final performance of the chevalier was given lost night, when there was a good audience. The opening numbers wore the “ Chaconne ” and “ Bonroe ” of Handel, which wore interpreted in a manner worthy of the genius of the master. Then came a number by Martini, “ Plaeir D’Amour,” which was admirably interpreted. A mazourka by Chopin, the “Gavotte "by Silas, and the grand fantasia on themes from " Moso ” followed, each number receiving at the hands of the chevalier that careful and delicate treatment which has characterised all his performances. Then came an “Avo” transcribed by Liszt and the chevalier’s quaint “ Butterfly chase ” and brilliant caprice. The latter was enthusiastically encored, and in response the chevalier ployed his “ Oastagnetta.’’ The trio of numbers bracketted together, which opened the second part, wore all by the Chevalier, including a petite valae, a cradle song, and a miauetto. All wore admirably interpreted and received duo appreciation. That most charming of old Scotch ballads, “ Auld Robin Gray,” rendered with a sweetness and beauty hardly to be excelled, came noi., and then Rubenstien's grand valeo, which was encored, ond the sparkling minuetto of Boccherini substituted. Liszt’s wonderful transcription of the march from “ Tannhouser ” closed the concert and the series. We take leave of the Chevalier with regret, os one of the finest artists ever hoard in New Zealand. Those who have not embraced the opportunity may never have such an one of hearing so accomplished and finished a master of tho piano us Chevalier Rotten.