CRIMINAL SESSIONS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2515, 12 April 1881, Page 2

CRIMINAL SESSIONS.

SECOND EDITION

[By Telegraph.]

Dunedin, April 11

In summing up in Paget’s case (the post-office robbery) this afternoon Judge Gillies referred to the fact that prisoner was debarred by lasv from giving evidence, and said that no one deplored this fact more than he did. lie thought it would tend to further the ends of justice if evidence was allowed to be given by prisoners, as it would be the means of punishing men oftener than of relieving them. While, however, the law prevented a man from giving evidence it did not stop him from making a statement, Paget was found guilty, and sentenced to three years penal servitude. THIS DAY. Joseph Gard, convicted of sheep stealing, Mr Stout moves arrest of judgment on the ground of improper admission of certain statements. Wellington, April 11. The Chief Justice, referring to the indictment against Downes for alleged tampering with law stamps, said that the Government in their eagerness to introduce the system of collecting revenue by stamps, had adopted a system which would probably lead to fraud. After having concluded their business, the Grand Jury handed in the following presentation “ The Grand Jury represent that the evidence brought before them in the several cases of the Queen v Downes disclosed an utter want of sytem and great carelessness in connection with the custody of valuable public documents in charge of the Land Transfer and Registry of Deeds Department.”

Charles Collins, charged with perjury and Louis Michaelier, with larceny, were acquitted, James Smith, for larceny, was sentenced to twelve months’ imprisonment. George Miller pleaded guilty to larceny, and sentence was deferred. Edward" Tobin, on a charge of robbery from the person, was sentenced to twelve months hard labor. In the charge against Wm. Michael Downes, for tampering with the stamping of deeds, a verdict of not guilty was returned. There remain two charges still to be heard. Auckland, April 11. The Te Aroha murder case (Pro* coffy’s) will last several days. _ During Sergeant Melville’s evidence His Honor severely censured that officer for the manner in which he had interrogated the prisoner.