SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 826, 2 October 1877, Page 2

SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

Auckland, last night The criminal sessions opened today. The Judge in his charge congratulated the grand jury on the lightness of the calendar. This had been the feature for several sessions past, and taken in connection with the almost total absence of habitual criminals, seemed to indicate that this class was completely rooted out or all in prison. If this were so, and those now charged were new offenders, it was desirable they should be kept apart from old offenders. Such classification was impossible under the present state of the Auckland Gaol, and he should consider it his duty to make representation to the proper authorities ou the subject, and should ask them to assist him in getting a reform. Charle3 Raven, for horse stealing, was sentenced to a year's imprisonment. THE HAMILTON ELOPEMENT CASE. YelvertonO'Conuell was arraigned on an indictment charging him with making a false declaration before the Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages, with respect to the age of Marsha Mullions, daughter of Joseph Mullions, of Hamilton E*sfc, affirming that the age of Martha Mullions was 21, while she was only 16. Prisoner pleaded guilty. Mr Tyler addressed the Court for prisoner, and stated the circum stances of the case (which have been I before the public). The families of defendant and the young lady had been on intimate terms for years, and everything went on smoothly until the appearaance of Nettles. His Honor said it was unnecessary to go into matters which were not in . evidence, but if' the prisoner wished to make a statement could do so, but the Court could not receive it from another. Mr Tyler said he believed this was a case of true love. The young man and young lady were devotedly attached to each other. He hoped therefore, us prisoner was not greatly to blame in. doing what he did, as the action was prompted by the most honorable feelings, His

Honor would look leniently upon the case, and deal as lighthly as an possible -with the prisoner. His Honor addressed of the nature of"'the olence he had commjtteaV :iind explained the uecersity of the Marriage Act in preventihg children from entering .into a Contract for lite, A fine wpald not be a proper punishment. He would therefore be imprisoned until the Court rose.

James' Fisher, stealing from the dwelling of George Vause of Taupo, was sentenced to 8 months.

The reported fire at T->wn turnes out to be only the burning of a whare. Tauranga, last night. A large fire destroyed Archdeacon Brown's score-house,' containing £2OO worth of goods. Christchurch, last night. The stud? horse Parade, was attended by 99 entires against 68 last year.