SUPREME COURT.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 March 1926, Page 3

SUPREME COURT.

SITTINGS AT HOKITIKA

THURSDAY, -MARCH 11

(Refore His Honor, Mr Justice Adams.] The Court opened at 10.30 o’clock, when his Honour took his seat. GRAND JURY. The following Grand Jury were empanelled Robert C. Renton, (*. 11. Berendt, B. Ward, J. 11. Stapleton, T, W. Duff, D, Stevenson, J. .Marshall, G. Hein/, F. Ross, G. A. Cederman, (1. H. Blank, G. C. Perry, J. J. Mclntosh, D. Davidson, \Y. Olderog, A. King, W. Gooch, S. Preston, J. W. Morris, A. Parkin'll, J. Paterson, A. E. Beniamin, G. H. Delbriclgc. .Mr B. Ward was chosen foreman. Mr Mclntosh was excused, being a witness in one of the cases. His Honor addressing the grand jury said ho was sorry to say there was a larger charge list than usual. There were three persons to he tried, a somewhat larger panel than was usual in Hokitika. The first ease was one in which a man named Thorpo was charged with assaulting his father and causing him actual hodilv harm. The Crown’s case was a simple one for consideration. There was another case against a man named Searle who was charged with driving a motor lorry negligently and causing bodily harm to one, James Kilculleii. The question was whether the ease was one to he investigated by a common jury. There appears to he a prinut facie case. The third cii»e was a more serious case, the accused being charged with arson on six counts in Hokitika, all on the same evening. He was charged with setting fire to the Methodist Church, to the Red Lion Hotel, two counterpanes, to Keller's Hotel, to a garage of Dr Bail'd and to a bicycle in the garage of Dr Mail'd. All took place on th<' same evening. The jury retired at I<).•">() a.m. and returned at 11.30 n.tu. with a true hill against John Hamilton J.ipsett, for arson. The grand jury returned at 12.-15 p.m. with true hills against Edward Searle for alleged negligent driving, and causing hodilv harm and against O-alward Thorpe ml’ causing bodily harm, on three counts. The grand jury were then diseharg-

IX DIVORCE. Minnie Moriarty v. Michael Morinity application for decree nisi and custody of child. Mr Murdoch for applicant. Order made. ALLEGED ARSON. John Hamilton Lipsett, alias John AVI u ton Sinclair, was charged with setting fire to the Methodist Church, Ki'd Lion Hotel, Dr Baird's garage and Rod Lion Hotel, oil six charges, and pleaded not guilty. Mr Park appeared for the Crown and Mr Joyce for a censed.

The following jury wore? empanelled Oiitcs. R. Stewart. Win. Koech. O. V. MrGuigan. 7'’. ft. l.ynch, A. TCrakowskv, J. B. Douglas, E. Brown. Jos. Ilavill and 7'’. Fane. Mr W. AT. ICoceh was chosen foreman.

Evidonoe was given liv 7)r Bruro Maird. on ouLlinos of that given in the Lower Court. 7u cross-examination lie stated he know ihe acensod liad a fractured skull in France. Do considered the man quite uiuiuslwortliy on the night in question. Evidenec was also given hv Sergt. King on lines of that given in the Lower CourE

The Court adjourned at. 7 p.m. till 2 p.m.