SUPREME COURT.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2878, 15 June 1882, Page 2

SUPREME COURT.

TIMARU. CRIMINAL SESSIONS. Wednesday, June 14, (Before His Honoc;Mr J listice Williams). embezzlement. [Continuation of the trial of Frederick •;; Wellsman.] ! His**Honor, addressing the-Crown Prosecutor (after .the jury had been some three and a-half hours retired), remarked that probably the jury, would not agree. In siioh a<case he wished to point out that the offence might have been dealt with by the Justices, who, apparently, had labored under a misconception of their powers in not dealing summarily with the case. In the event of the jury disagreeing, the prisoner might be (discharged, as the sentence he would have had from the Justices would have been at most about three months. The Crowft* might, if they chose, enter a now prosecution. In the meantime, on the application of Mr White, the two Ashburton witnesses were discharged. His Honor further intimated to the waiting jurors that they might go. The jury returned into Court at 4,30 and gave a verdict of guilty on the first count, adding a strong recommendation to mercy. Prisoner, against whom nothing was known, and who had already boen in gaol four months, was sentenced to “two days’ imprisonmenj, His Honor expressing the opinion that what he had already suffered was a sufficient punishment. APPLICATION, In re caveats in Ede’s case, and in case, application was made' by Messrs Perry and Haraersley (representing Messrs Harper and Co.), for an extension of time. The application was opposed, on behalf of Messrs Joynt and Percival, by Mr Reid. His Honor having heard all that bpth sides had to state, declined to make any order in respect of the caveats, promising, however, to hear further particulars on the subject, if counsel chose. At 3.30, His Honof* again heard the counsel witli the. result that the application for exsention was granted in both cases, to 22nd inst., both parties to pay their own costs. ‘ The Court then rose. • *