SUPREME COURT, HOKITIKA.

Kumara Times, Issue 2355, 15 March 1884, Page 2

SUPREME COURT, HOKITIKA.

CRIMINAL JURISDICTION. Friday, March 14. [Before his Honor Mr Justice Williams.] His Honor took his seat on the Bench at ten o'clock. ARSON. John Maloney and John Hu«hes were indicted for setting fire to a house at Rutherglen, on the 2nd October. The prisoners pleaded not guilty. Mr Stringer, who appeared for Hughes, applied for a separate trial, as he. desired to call Maloney as a witness for Hughes. The Crown Prosecutor offered objection to a separate trial. His Honor could not see his way to grant the application. Mr Parkiss (Crown Prosecutor), with him Mr Guinness, appeared for the Crown. The following jury were then enjpanj nelled : —Joseph Herd, George Drury, Alexander Nesbit, Stephen Babon,' James Morgan, William Morris, Henry Good, Joseph Gould, William Killeen, Daniel O'Sulliran, Johu Dixon and William Mayhill. Mr William Morris was chosen foreman. The prisoner challenged the following:—Carson Moore, John Comport, Thomas Lamison, Moses Barrowman Robert Marshall, James Benton, C. Malfroy, Archibald Howie. The Crown ordered the following to stand by :—C. Priest, J. S. Pearn, Michael Murphy, Thomas Murphy, and Denis Hannan. Mr Put kiss addressed the jury, opening the case for the Crown, and, after evidence was taken, Mr Stringer made an able speech for the defence. Mr Purkiss was to reply for the Crown this inomiuy.