KEY POINTS:
The trial of the man accused of gunning down Hawke's Bay farmer Jack Nicholas more than three years ago has been delayed after legal discussions in the High Court at Napier today.
Murray Foreman, of Haumoana, near Hastings, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Nicholas, 72, on his farm at remote Puketitiri, northwest of Napier, in August 2004.
The trial was due to have started this morning, but was adjourned until Wednesday following discussions between counsel and Justice Simon France.
"Preliminary matters have arisen that are required to be dealt with," Justice France said.
Media are not allowed to report what those matters are.
Mr Nicholas' wife Agnes found her husband dead in their driveway about 6.30am on August 27, 2004, after hearing three loud gunshots outside their house.
- NZPA