SPECIAL TELEGRAMS (Per Anglo-Australian Telegraph Agency.) Auckland, Monday.

Waikato Times, Volume VIII, Issue 436, 6 April 1875, Page 2

SPECIAL TELEGRAMS (Per Anglo-Australian Telegraph Agency.) Auckland, Monday.

The Criminal Sessions of the Supreme Court began this morning. His Honor Justice Gillies took his seat on the bench for the first time in Auckland. » r Whitaker, on behalf of the members of the bar, delivered -a short S|if>ech, in which he congratulated his Honor on his accession to the new dignity. The Judge's charge to the (irand Jury was very short. He congratulated them, and said that though the cases were numerous, they were all of a light character, and there was no matter of law on which he need direct them. It whs a remarkable fact that not one newly arrived immigrant but what was giving satisfactory promise for the future of the Co'ony. A large proportion — three-fourths — of the prisoners were educated men. Cases of larceny predomiuat d a3 usual. There were several cases of forgery and uttering. Though it was extraordinary that men should commit great criminal offences to release themselves from debts, which where ao easily cance lled. Several old oflendeis would again appear before the court, which suggested very great questions to the legislature. Ills Honor concluded his address af er calling attention to the nature of the duties of the Grand Jury. The court gave judgment in the inquiry of the loss of the Pretty Jane, at Poverty Bay. It was of opinion that the stranding of the vessel was caused by gross unprudenc-* and lack of skill. James C.irev, chief officer, was also censured for taking the vessel without the Captain's orders, and Captain Ferande 5 was also censured for absenting himself from the vessel without any reason. The Captain's certificate was cancelled for three months. Henry Pettit wus charge for committing an, assault with intent to rob on «'rs Comfort!, of Napifr. He was sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment. William Wilkinson was charged with committing «rson at the Thames, and "sehte.icel to threa years' impris' mo t. Richard Lii.e was brought up oii'twi charges forgery and uttering ; for the tirst off nee he wan committed for twelve and for the second six months' imprisonment. The prisoner pleaded guilty. James Macffarlane, alias Scott, was charged with forgery and uttering-; he pleaded guilty, "and was sentenced to twelve month*' imprisonment. F. C. J-eggitt, charged with stealing a cheque for £80, the property of the Provincial Government, pleaded guilty. Mr O'Rorke, M.G.A., and another gentleman, gave evidence as to his good character ; the accused was sentenced to two years' imprisonimprisonment. Edmund Percy Brett, ex Naval officer, was sentenced to nine months' imprisonment for obtaining money under false pretences.