SUPREME COURT

Hokitika Guardian, 30 July 1929, Page 5

SUPREME COURT

(By Telegraph—Press Association).

PALMERSTON NORTH, July 30,

The quarterly session of the Supreme Court opened this morning before Justice Smith. There were no criminal cases and his Honour was presented with a pair of white gloves. His Honour congratulated the town and district on the absence of crime. The last occasion when there were no criminal cases at the quarterly session, was February, 1926, and prior to that the August and November sessions in 1918. DUNEDIN, July 30.

The criminal sittings opened this morning before Justice Kennedy, with four cases for trial, two sexual and two dishonesty.

When Francis Joseph Gantley was charged with carnally knowing a girl over the age of twelve but under sixteen- the Crown stated jtlie principal witness in the case had that morning given birth to a child, and it was impossible to call her as a witness. The case was thereupon adjourned till next session. Frederick Arthur Lloyd pleaded not guilty to stealing between October, 1924, and March, 1929, the sum of £419 while clerk of Maniototo County Council. AUCKLAND, July 30. Addressing the Grand Jury of the Supreme Court at the criminal sessions Justice Herdman said never in his experience had he encountered a charge such as that levelled against a Waerenga farmer, Peter Alexander El msley, of having failed to provide his wife with the necessaries of life. It appeared from evidence in the lower court that he and his two daughters had consistently ill-treated Mrs Klmsley for six or seven years. Indeed evidence suggested she was compelled to live the life of a dog. His Honour said he would not soil his lips by repeating the words that were - used to her. The Crown must show that accused had charge of the woman and that she was unable to withdraw from him owing to the seclusion of the fact that she was cowed and that he had failed in his duty towards her and caused her permanent injury by failing to provide her with the necessities of life. There was abundant evidence to warrant the Grand Jury returning a true bill.