VERDICT TO-DAY

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 237, 27 May 1932, Page 5

VERDICT TO-DAY

(Press. Assn.-

HEARING OF EVIDENCE IN AUCKLAND RIOT CASE ENDS MANY YvUTNESSES HEARD

-By Telegrutih— Copyrlght).

AUCKLAND, Thursday. A verdict is expected to-morrow in the rioting case. The hearing of the evidence of witnesses for the defence was concludd this afternoon. An unusually large number of witnesses was heard. The Crown called 52, while the defence called 26. Almost four days were occupied in taking evidence. Addressing the jury, Counsel for 11 of the accused, submitted that those in the procession were not responsihle for the damhge done while the procession was on the march. There was nothing to linlc up any of the accused with the window breaking. • "I do not think it will take you , very long to reach a decision in these cases," said counsel, "There is a grave danger of these men being blamed for the acts of other people." Counsel for Sharpe and Martinovieh asked why the Crown had associated James Edwards with the men on trial. The jury would have seen with what vigour the Crown Prosecutor had pursued all witnesses along the Communistic road, but this had not heen a Communistic riot. Counsel argued that Sharpe was the last type of individual to be associated with violenee and disorder. He also said that the police evidence against Martinovich was nebulous and unsatisfactory. Counsel for Searle said thqt the police had made a mistake in identification. • His Honour said it would he impossible to finish the case- that evening.