Deva Kala Faces New Jury on Pahiatua Murder Charge

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 115, 5 August 1927, Page 13

Deva Kala Faces New Jury on Pahiatua Murder Charge

JUDGE CENSURES CROWD IN COURT

(.Special to THE SUN.)

PALMERSTON NORTH, To-day. THIS is not a show.” said Mr. Justice Reed severely, addressing the crowded Court during the trial of the Indian cook Deva Kala. “A man is being tried for his life and, if silence cannot be maintained, I will have to clear the Court.”

'J'HE seating accommodation of the Palmerston North Court is distinctly limited, yet about 200 people, apparently with morbid interests, packed the body of the court throughout the morning. In the afternoon the number had increased to nearly 300. As well as the crowd inside there was a queue outside the doors. Throughout the proceedings there was little to complain of in the behaviour of the spectators. His Honour’s censure was caused b - a ripple of laughter when some humorous turns in the

proceedings were unfolded. Kala, who is 36 years old. was charged w-ith the murder of William Barrett, barman of the Commercial Hotel, at Paliiatua, on June 4. At the first trial, which lasted all day Wednesday, the jury failed to agree and a new trial was ordered for to-day. The case for the Crown was reopened this morning, and similar evidence to that heard at the first trial was taken. The case is proceeding.