A SHORT SENTENCE
TILL RISING OF THE COURT,
SET FIRE TO HUSBAND’S HOUSE,
(By Telegraph—Per Press Association)
AUCKLAND, May 23
■ When Christina Field, aged 25, a Maori, appeared in the Supreme Court for 'sentence, having pleaded guilty to burning down lier husband’s house at Hokianga, on April 9th., her counsel submitted that the rule in common law, that husband and wife are one, applied in her case, and therefore 110 offence had been committed. He said that .under the Crimes Act, there. „yvas no offence of arson if a person charged had a full interest in the property unless there was intent to defraud. Counsel said that prisoner had, for many years, lived far from civilisation. Her marriage was unhappy, and, following a dispute her husband thrashed her. She considered suicide but, while her husband was away, .she set fire to the house. They had patched up the difference and were now living together again. The Assistant Crown Prosecutor admitted there was a doubt about whether the offence was committed but denied the right of prisoner to alter her plea of guilty. Mr Justice Smith sentenced accused to imprisonment till the. rising of the Court. .
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Hokitika Guardian, 23 May 1932, Page 6
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195A SHORT SENTENCE Hokitika Guardian, 23 May 1932, Page 6
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