APPEAL COURT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 277, 15 April 1913, Page 5

APPEAL COURT.

TIIE THIRD DEGREE;

"MOUTHS SHUT AXD EARS OPEN."

l!y Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington. Last Xight. 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, the Crown Prosecutor, Mr. Tole, said: "You are sworn to give a verdict according to the evidence. Hastgate has sworn that the prisoners robbed him. 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 admissibility 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 were unrepresented by counsel. . The Attorney-General appeared 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 and their ears open.