The Pastoral Times, Sat 13 Apr 1878 ¹

WENTWORTH QUARTER SESSIONS.
(From Our Own Correspondent.)

    The Wentworth Quarter Sessions commenced on Tuesday, 26th ultimo, before his Honour Judge Forbes, Mr Murray acting as Crown Prosecutor.

On the opening of the Court his Honour’s attention was directed to the disgraceful state of the Court-house, and it was pointed out to him that should the day turn out showery, as it promised to do, it would be a difficult matter to find a seat that would be secure against the wet, as the roof was in a very dilapidated condition; and, altogether, the state of the Court House was a disgrace to the country, and the jurors and all having occasion to attend the Court trusted his Honour would again bring some of his influence to bear on the question of immediate steps being taken to have the money already voted appropriated to its legitimate use, and that tenders should without delay be called for and the works commenced. His Honour responded in his usual prompt and energetic manner, by stating that he had not forgotten the necessity of a Court House providing the necessary accommodation for all—that he had moved in the proper quarter, when he was met with the remark about no officer being disengaged to come down and select a site suitable for the purpose, and make the necessary plans. His Honour said, in reply, that it was not at all requisite to inspect the site to enable the architect to make his plans. Any plan already determined on for any of the Riverine townships would be suitable for Wentworth, as it and they were all on flat country, and presented no difficulties in preparing foundation. Also, that he had studiously advocated in Sydney the immediate necessity for the erection of a Court House; and not only that, but the absolute want of a bridge over the Darling at Wentworth, and that when he returned to Sydney he would not fail to rouse up the Department to prompt action, but would, moreover, see Mr Simson, our member, whom he knew very well, and urge upon him the importance of immediate steps being taken to meet several wants of a serious nature to the district and the public generally. His Honour’s remarks conveyed the impression that we have much to thank him for in the way of advocacy of our wants. His Honour’s position, together with his great influence as a traveller over a large extent of country, must and will have weight, and will be confirmation of our requirements if we agitate and supplement his endeavours for our benefit. As he very justly observed, if we do not make our wants known and parade them prominently, we cannot and must not expect to receive attention to them.
…

INDECENT AND CRIMINAL ASSAULT.

    Geo Crafts [aka Craft] pleaded not guilty to a charge of indecent and criminal assault on a female child aged eight years. He was defended by Mr Higgins.

    Antoinette Diment, [aka Antoinette Dimond] the daughter of Mr Diment, Selector near Wentworth, aged eight years, was examined as to her knowledge of the nature of an oath or of telling falsehoods, and her answers satisfied his Honour she was a competent witness.

    Mr Higgins for the defence made some objection to the absence of the depositions, and stated that whilst he had no desire to have the case postponed yet he wanted his Honour to note his objection to the absence of the depositions. His Honour explained he could not take any note of his objections that he had the option of giving in the copies of the depositions as they appeared in the book in the absence of the originals, or electing to allow the case to stand over till next session. That he must chose [sic] one or other of these positions, and stand or fall on his election.

    Senior-Sergeant Keelty deposed to the arrest of the prisoner on the 14th November last on the charge before named. He said in reply he knew all about it as Peter had told him.

    Antoinetta Diment was then brought forward, but her nervousness and crying and sobbing caused some delay. Her answers, however, when obtained seem to have satisfied the jury as to the criminality of the prisoner, although Mr Higgins made some remarks about her being tutored, and when closely questioned much amusement was created by her saying Mr Richardson, PM, told her what to say.

    The details of cases like these are not fit for publication.

    Prisoner was found guilty, and sentenced to eighteen months hard labour, in Darlinghurst gaol.

¹  The Pastoral Times, Sat 13 Apr 1878, p. 4. Emphasis added.