Monday, Januaky 5. [Before TTi« Honor Mr Justice Johnston.] The quarterly session of the Supreme Carat, in its criminal jurisdiction, commenced ; at 11 a.m. i The following gentlemen were sworn as the eBABB 3VKZ. Messrs H. B. Webb (foreman), A. O. Watson, H. Sawtell, O. C. Aikman, H. H. Hennah, W. Pratt, T. B. Jacobsen, G. D. Lockhart, W. Kennaway, W. M. Maekell, W. G. Britten, leaao Wilson, 3. Mnrphy, R. Overton, J. O. Maddison, BE. W. Packer, L. Oaro, O. T. Moorhonse, J. M. Hey wood, W. H. Simms, W. Hubbard and A. Horn brook. His Honor .then proceeded to deliver the following OHAKSB. Mr Foreman and gentlemen of the Grand jmyy—l very sincerely regret; that on tbie the first sitting of the new year I am not able to congratulate the Grand Jury on the state of the calendar for trial. I am sorry to to say that, apart from the special circum stances which, have attracted attention during the past few days, the ordinary calendar —if I may call it so—is very heavy, not that the majority of the offences are of a very grave character, but the number of prisoners and the character of some of the offences are such as to make the ordinary calendar of a sufficiently serious kind. The ordinary offence, concerning which I speak every time I sit here—viz., that of forgery— is still very rife. I am sorry to say that, ! despite what has been said by ms every session from the Bench, the public still seem inclined to what is nothing more nor lees than abetting in the commission of this offence by the facility with which cheques are taken from everybody and anybody. If the public will not take measures to protect themselves, it seem? difficult to see how the law can do so. It seems to mc that the time has now arrived, or at any rate speedily wpl arrive, when those entrusted with the administration of justice will have to use the verj extensive powers committed to them with far greater severity than, has hitherto been the case. In the old country, as you are doubtless aware, not so very long ago the punishment for the crime of forgery wa< tnafc of death. 