The prisoner, who was undefended, and who said that his age was fifteen, at first pleaded " Guilty." stating that he had taken the mare which he was accused of stealing by mistake; but lie afterwards withdrew his plea, and pleaded " Not Guilty." Mr. Jones was chosen foreman of the jury. Mr, Duncan opened the case as Grown Prosecutor, and called Constable Judge, who stated that he was stationed at Kaiapoi in August last. He arrested the prisoner at Leithfield. He gave him the usuul caution. Prisoner took witness across the street and pointed out a chestnut mare as> the animal he had ridden down from Mount Parnassus. 'J he mare was now out side the Court. John Armstrong stated that he saw the prisoner riding a chestnut mare on the road to Christchurch on August 21. Witness was a shepherd at the Kailcoras. He accompanied the prisoner for about fifteen miles; he parted company with him about six or seven miles this side of the Hurunui.
