THE PATEA JURY-ROOM.

Kumara Times, Issue 1427, 29 April 1881, Page 2

THE PATEA JURY-ROOM.

The experience of a jury at Pa tea (North Island) that could not agree upon their verdict, and who were locked up for the night, is thus described by the Patea Mail “ No refreshment came from the Judge’s order, it being nobody’s business to attend to it—as usual. Some jurors begged of the constable to fetch them a loaf, or a live sucking pig, or anything eatable, for which they tendered money ; they begged to have overcoats fetched from the hotel; but that officer would not budge from the door for anything less than an earthquake. There were twelve men cooped up in a very small room, with three chairs and a table. They could not all sic at once, or lie on the

floor at once : they could only stand, and were closed-packed at that. Hat pegs were few, else they might have hung up. One juror fell asleep on the table, and when he woke found he had been sitting in the gum and was fast. Another got near the window, and awoke with a stiff neck. A third tried to sit on the “ cold ” fire, but found a light had just been applied ; the coalbox served him. Four squatted on the floor playing cards, and when they had been euchred they stood up to make room for another card party. So the jurors had to squat down or stand up in relief parties, there being not enough room for all to lie on the floor at once. At daylight the constable entered and threw water on the fire, which luxury was contrary to the statute in that case made and provided. Jurors implored him to bring a drink of water, but he only remarked they ought to have agreed on their verdict, and not stand out on a trifle like that. Such was the treatment of these jurors, and such were the sumptuous arrangements of this model jury-room.”