The Brandy Case.

Manawatu Herald, 15 April 1893, Page 2

The Brandy Case.

The following further evidence was given at the Supreme Court at Wanganui, in the trial of Stanley and Cole for larceny.

Mary King, wife of Mr A. King, of Poxfcon, said she knew both the accused and also Mrs Cole. Remembered being at Cole's place about the middle of last month, when she was merely making a friendly call. Mr Stanley and Mi's Cole were present, and Stanley told Mrs Cole to give witness a bottle of gin to take home to Mr King. Mrs Cole went into Mr Stanley's bedroom and got one. Had never had any gilts from these people before. There were all sorts of bottles outside the door, but she noticed nothing else. Had no idea where the people got the bottles. Stanley never told her where he got the gin.

Constable Gillespie, stationed at Fox ton, corroborated the evidence ot J. K. G. Stansell as to the search of Cole's premises, and this closed the case for the Crown.

Stanley declined to give evidence on bis own behalf, saying he was inuocent and knew nothing at all of the affair, but Cole handed in a written statement to the effect that Stanley brought the case of brandy to his (Cole's) house on the 12th March, saying that it was stock for the ferry which liß had taken over and that he. was going to deal at McMillan and Rhodes.' On the 19th he brought the " Old Tom " home, but said nothing as to how or where he got it. Stanley had lived with him for some seven years, and they were old friends. If Stanley had not' been arrested he (witness) would have taken the guilt on himself and have asked Stanley

to lqpic after his affairs while he Wris" aWa^i ".' " By Mr Marshall-- HeTemembered the statements he had made to the constable, and he admitted they were not true as he was trying to mislead him in order to shield Stanley. When Stanley brought ,the brandy to witnes' hottse he told him it was for the ferry. Afterwards Stanley tolßt h'itii lie" gdt it from 1 StfinSell'a, aild he thought thet-e Was something wrong about the affair. At the time he heard that some liquor had been stolen from the hotel all the liquor in the house had net been consumed. The whole case was got through from the Funday night to the Saturday following, and no one but himaelf, his wife, and Stanley had any.

Mrs Cole, wife ot one of the accused, was called, and corroborated her husband's statement. Never knew that the grog in the house had beet! stolen until-the constable came to flearch the house,; when her husband told her of thejfact. She stated that on Wednesday last, after Stanley ' aiid her husband had been arrested and released on bail, she saw Stanley and: asked him what he was going to do about the case, and he replied that he should plead not guilty and that her husband would have to clear himself. He also admitted that he had brought the grog into the house. Witness then told him that she and her husband Would speak the truth as her husband had already suffered enough through Stanley, to which statement he iiiacte no reply. Keithef of the prisoners desired to address the jury, and no address was made by Mr Marshall.

Bis Honor briefly summed up, and the jury retired to consider their verdict at 12.45, returninginitDoutfive or six minutes with a verdict of guilty on ' the first count, stealing from the dwelling.

His Honor seutenced both prisoners to nine calendar months' imprisoflffiefit with hard labour in the Wanganui Gaol.