TRIAL OF THE CHRISTCHURCH RIOTERS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2121, 9 January 1880, Page 2

TRIAL OF THE CHRISTCHURCH RIOTERS.

[from our own correspondent.] CHRISTCHURCH, Jan. 9.

After the twelve men charged with riot had, through Mr Joynt, pleaded not guilty at the Supreme Court, this morning, the challenging of jurymen commenced. The Crown challenged live and Mr Joynt twenty-four. On the exhaustion of the panel His Honor ordered the doors to he locked. No tales being applied for, His Honor retired. After an interval ho returned into Court and asked Mr Joynt and Mr Duncan if they could show him any authority on tliis nice point. He then again retired, ordering that the doors remain closed. After half ae hour the Judge returned again, and said :—The matter is so very important, not on account of this particular case, but as a matter of principle, that I shall wait till I hare commuuigated with the other judges, by telecram, before deciding what course I shall adopt. As tales are not asked for I don’t think I need insist on the doors being kept closed. Witnesses and jurymen may leave the Court, but must return at 2 o’clock.

On the Court resuming at two o’clock the Judge said he would adjourn till tomorrow at ton o’clock, when he would he able to decide delinitely what course to take. Two courses were open to him.