THE THIRD DEGREE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 83, 15 April 1913, Page 8

THE THIRD DEGREE.

“MOUTHS SHUT AXD EARS OPEX.” [Per Press Association.] Wellington, April 14. The Appeal Court sat this morning to hear argument in the case Rex v. Barker and Bailey, who were charged jointly with having robbed a man named Alexander of a tin box containing £l7 10s. They were found guilty. In addressing the jury at the trial, tiie Crown Prosecutor, Mr Tole, said: “You are sworn to give a verdict according to the evidence. Eastgate has sworn that the prisoners robbed ;im. This is uncontradicted. You must believe him.” The question was raised as to whether the observation was an infringement of section 423 of the Crimes Act. There were also further questions as to the admissability of the statements made to the police in answer to questions, and as to the right of the police to question prisoners after their arrest. | Prisoners wore unrepresented by j counsel. The Attorney-General ap- j peared for the Crown. During the argument, Mr Justice Williams asked whether it was not the business of the police, after the' arrest, to keep their mouths shut md their cars open. #