THE COURTS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 45, 17 February 1912, Page 6

THE COURTS.

‘ ‘UNLAWFULLY CAUSING DEATH.”

(Per Press Associations

Christchurch, February 16.

At the Supreme Court James Russell was found guilty of having unlawfully caused the death of George H. Shaw, at Leithfiekl, on December 29th, The presiding Judge said:-“1 have no doubt that the result of your action /was not expected by you, and was regretted by you as much as anyone else. No doubt there was some sort,of skylarking. I will also give you the benefit of. the evidence that you were practically sober at the time of the affair. There had been no intention -of malicious action or of doing voluntary barm. You already have been punished, 1 am sure, by your own feelings, in causing the death of a friend. I think it is a case in which I am justified in fining yon.- You will be ,fined £SO, in default six months’ imprisonment.”

AN UNUSUAL CASE

Christchurch, February ,16,

Mr Bailey, S.M., gave his reserved decision in the case against James Worrall and Frank McCullough, who were charged with distributing dodgers or handbills on January 16th and February 2nd. The Magistrate held that the card of membership of the Passive Resisters’ Union, in regard to which the information was laid in the second case, was not a dodger or handbill, and he dismissed the cases. In regard to the handbills against compulsory training, 'which it was admitted the defendants distributed, but which they ceased distributing when told its distribution was illegal, a fine of 5s and costs was imposed on each defendant. TA RDY TERRITORIALS. Christchurch, February 16. Several young men who have failed to take the >oath of allegiance under the Defence Act were before the Magistrate to-day, and in a number of bases fines of £2 were Inflicted. PRISONER DECLINES RE-TRIAL. Christchurch, February 16. On Wednesday Mr Justice Dennis-

ton informed /William James, who I had been convicted .the day before oi j theft, and sentenced to three years i imprisonment, that he was entitled, i if lie wished, to have anotner trial, as one of the jurors hearing the case had not been sworn. Prisoner elected; to have another trial. Ibis morning, however, James informed the Judge: that ho had not quite understood his! Honor’s remark the other day, .and he was now quite prepared to accept the verdict of the eleven jurors. A new tidal will therefore .not take place.

ALLEGED INDECENT ASSAULT,

Taiiiape, -February 16

At the ’ Police Court to-day Peter Forgusson, shepherd at Erewhon station, .(Was, .charged with indecently assaulting .ar.married woman. The alleged assault took place at the house irUthe day time during the husband’s absence. Accused was .committed for trial, bail being allowed.