POSTMISTRESS ACQUITTED.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 August 1921, Page 4

POSTMISTRESS ACQUITTED.

CHARGE OF OPENING MAIL. PROCEEDINGS STOPPED. By Teiftfraph.—Press Association. Christchurch, Last Night. The hearing of the charge again a, Julia Marie Fitzgerald, formerly postmistress at Blackball, with having opened a postcard, was resumed to-day. Accused said she first thought the charge againat her was a joke, but as soon as she discovered it was serious she got into touch with her superior officer in Greymouth (Mr. Redma&d). The department inspector thought she was guilty and advised her to make an admission. He aaid that if she did not do so there probably would be a court ease. She made it quite clear to Mr. Redmond that she did not interfere with the letter. < Hannah Campbell, a sister of accused, sajd accused previously had looked after Gilmer’s books and had handled all his money and opened his letters. Witness told accused not to sign an admission if she was not guilty. ’ She said that she had been worried by Mr. Redmond and admitted the act. Accused was acquitted. Shortly after the jury had retired Mr. Gresson (act-ing-Crown Prosecutor) received word from the Solicitor-General instructing him to enter a stay of proceedings in respect to the second charge against Mist Fitzgerald.