SUPREME COURT.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 July 1924, Page 1

SUPREME COURT.

BY TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT. ASSAULTS ON CHILDREN. GRAND JURY’S RECOMMENDATION. • AUCKLAND, July 20 At the Supreme Court the jury submitted to Mr Justice Stringer the following resolution; “The grand jurydraws attention to the fact that indecent assaults upon children are still eommett and expresses the hope that the administration of justice will Ijc directed toward the reduction of this type of crime, which we feel is a stigma on the Dominion.” His Honor referred to the inquiry into sexual crime now proceeding, ami said some useful information might soon he available. Many of the crimes were attributed to mental deficiency. AUCKI.AND CASES. AUCKLAND, July 20 The Supreme Court criminal sessions have opened. Only sixteen eases are on the list. The most serious charge is one of arson against Thomas Keaton in connection with a lire at Northcote.

Mr Justice Stringer, in his charge to the grand jury, said the ease depended on circumstantial evidence. Accused had been in financial difficulties and had the bailiffs in. The insurance was close on £2OOO, and there had been two fires in tbe same building in January last.

The grand jury found no bill on the charge of manslaughter against William George Keir, arising from the death of a man itemed Xeary, who, defendant- said, tried to enter his house while drunk. Keir pushed him out and he fell. His head struck the kerbing, resulting in his death. WELLINGTON, July 2'L At the Supremo Court, G. A. Jenness. jeweller, was acquitted on two charges of theft of a diamond pendant, and <divided of obstructing the course of justie?. with a strong recommendation to leniency, oil the ground that accused had not acted with the intention of benefiting himself. Sentence wa.s deferred.

Cyril Wagstaff pleaded guilty on : charge of indecent assault, and was re mand'-'d for sentence.