WELLINGTON.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3441, 5 January 1880, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

This day.

The Supreme Court criminal business commenced this morning. Justice Richmond, in his charge to the Grand Jury, referred to [the calender as being about the average for this district, and most of the charges were not of a serious nature. With reference to the case of William Hales for dual Toting at the last election for the Hquse, his Honor spoke strongly in favor of the preservation of the Grand Jury^as standing between the Government and the people, and able to prevent audacious prosecutions, although committing Magistrates had hitherto executed their duties in a highly commendable' manner, yet they were liable to favor the Government, from whom they obtained their bread and butter. For political prosecutions, he said a dangerous power would be given to Government unless the Grand Jury were preserved. He admitted that the Grand Jury system was somewhat cumbersome, and needed improvement, but it was a protection to the liberty of a subject. The barque Scottish Prince, 93 days from London-, arrived this morning, all well. J . The Grand Jury have found true bills at %llow« ;-Thomis Wisdom, alias

Ramsay, larceny; Toko Mace, on three charges of horse stealing; Francis Young, larceny from a dwelling. The case of the latter is now proceeding.