Charge of Larceny.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume X, Issue 3355, 7 November 1889, Page 2

Charge of Larceny.

Invkroaroill, November 6. A charge of larceny against a man named Helm and his wife has' been occupying the attention of the Police Court here for three days, and is not yet conoluded. The prosncutor, Mr Wallis, of Morton Main's estate, alleged that the accused removed large quantities of blankets, drapery, stores, ete, from the homestead during his absence in Melbourne. Tlio charge was previously heard and dismissed, both of the accused taking advantage of the Criminal Act of last session to give evidence on their own behalf. Mrs Helm then swore that the bulk of the goods were given to her by Mat Wallis, since deceased, »nd that the stores, although of the same brand as thoso on the station, were purchased in town; and to-day, at the conclusiqn of the case for the prosecution, the counsel for Mr Wallis took objection to the accused again giving evidence, contending thftt the provisions of the Act did not extend to preliminary examination nor to cases before the grand juries, and that accused persons could not give such evidence until placed on trial. Mr McOulloch, R.M., said he was inclined to that view himself, but no ruling had yet been given on the point as raised in the Christchurch Supreme Court recently. He did not think he would be justified in refusing to hearths accused.