VERDICT GIVEN

Hokitika Guardian, 28 May 1932, Page 5

VERDICT GIVEN

EIGHT GUILTY

SEQUEL TO AUCKLAND RIOTS

Pu TelejTuph—Per Press Association j

AUCKLAND, May 27

The:© was a t use atmosphere in the Su r v.me vmut Luis oiciiiiig when the tria. of the noting charges ended, alter a five clays’ hearing, and tut; into ol the lourteen accused men became known.

The jury, which had retired at 1.40 p.m. returned at 6.10 p.ni. to icpert that they had round eight of the accused guilty of taking part in the riot on the night of April I4th; two not guilty; and that, about the remaining four, they could not arrive at an agreement.

Mr Justice Herdman pronounced sentence as follows on the eight men found guilty:— George Joseph Silver, of England, labourer, aged 32: Two years’ imprisonment, with hard labour. George iJevereaux, of Ireland, labourer, aged 38: Two years’ imprisonment, with hard labour. Simeon Elai'i, of Australia, labourer, aged 21: Two years’ imprisonment with hard labour.

James William Rae Simpson-, of Scotland, labourer, aged 32: Two years’ imprisonment, with hard labour. Mate Dragavieb, of Dalmatia, labourer, aged 33: Two yoais* imprisonment with hard labour. John Hubert Edwards, of England, salesman, aged 38: One year’s imprism?nt, with hard labour.

Clifford John Hudson, of New Zealand, labourer, aged 31: One year’s imprisonment with hard labour. Harold Robertson, of Now Zealand, labourer, aged 19: Two months’ imprisonment with hard labour, •' to lie concurrent with the sentence be is

now serving. , The jury could not agree in respect of tliP following accused: , Oswald I3ourbeau, Canada, waterside worker, aged 51. John William McCorkindale, of New Zealand, miner, aged 37. William John Budd, of England, seaman, aged 35. Albert William Searles, of England, seaman, aged 26 The following were found not guilty, and were discharged:— John Sharpe, -of Scotland, miner, aged 36 years. Leo. Martinovich, of New Zealand, motor driver, aged 18. The Crown was granted leave for a new trial of the four men about whom the jury disagreed. The re-trial will take place at the next criminal sittings in August. It was stated that they are all in custody. / !