SUPREME COURT.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 16, Issue 861, 8 November 1870, Page 2

SUPREME COURT.

The Circuit Sittings of the Supreme Court in its civil and criminal jurisdiction were opened this morning by his Honor Mr Justice Johnston, The following Grand Jury was eni* pannelled—H. S. Titf'en (foreman), C. S, Wisfcart, J. Wilkinson, J. A. Smith, H. Tronbeck, John Torr, Thomas Richardson, H. M. Hamlin, T. M. Poole, J. G, Kinross, p. C. Robjohns, W. Routledge, $, Sutton, F. Sutton, G. E. G. Richardson, G. Peacock, C. H. Weber, A. Kennedy, A. Qrabam, John Stewart, T, K,

Newton, J. Bhodes, D. Condie. Fines of ,£5 for absence (unless cause shown) were recorded against Messrs James Watt, \V. Orr, and H. Sladen. Mr Orr arriving directly afterwards, the fine was remitted, and in the case of Mr Watt, Dr Russell having given evidence that he was too unwell to attend, the fine was also remitted, His Honor then charged the Grand Jury at considerable length. He made a passing allusion to the great events now transpiring in Europe, as marking an era in the history of the world, and while contemplating the tremendous causeless contest in which so many lives were being sacrificed, pointed out the value of the system of the public administration of justice as couducing to permanent peace. He then explained the legal points likejy to arise in the consideration of the various bills which would come before the Grand Jury, and concluded by a strong condemnation of the carelessness of some of the country magistrates, who were in the habit of sending informal depositions to the Court, —an act which which might lead to a failure of justice in many important cases. —We regret that we have not the time nor space to give a fuller outline of his admirable address. The Grand Jury found true bills in the cases of John Boyle, for larceny; John Siuimonds, for larceny ; Arthur Wellesley, for obtaining money under false pretences ; and John Hammond, assault with intent.—'They were theu discharged with the thanks of the Queen and the Colpny. L4ECKNY. John Boyle was charged with having, on the 7th May, stolen a £lO note and three £\ notes from the person of John Buttry Hotson. Prisoner pleaded not guilty. J, B. Hotson deposed that he was a surveyor, residing in Dunedin. In May last was in the Armed Constabulary, and was in Napier. On the 6th or 7th of that month was on the Spit with prisoner and a man named Bowen, and came into town with them, drinking at all the public houses on the way. At 5 p.m f Iris .£lO was in his pocket, and some time that evening—he was too drunk to know how how long after-~-found left trouser pocket cut away and the money gone. Kemembered number of note was three figures, first two being 31. Believed he had lost it in the Clarendon Hotel. Following day (Sunday) informed Britten of the robbery. Prisoner was afterwards taken into custody.—(This witness seemed somewhat obfuscated, and was rather inconsistent in his statements during crossexamination.) [left sitting.]