CHARGE OF PERJURY AGAINST A NELSON M.H.R.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 1, Issue 88, 17 April 1880, Page 2

CHARGE OF PERJURY AGAINST A NELSON M.H.R.

(by telegraph.) Nelson, April 15.

The charge of perjury against Mr. Acton Adams has occupied a Bench of Justices, consisting of Messrs. John Sharp, Hon. N. Edwards, B. Reeves, P. McDonald, T. McCay, for two days. At the close of the case for the prosecution, Mr. Conolly, who appeared for the defendant, was stopped by the Bench, who said that they warded to adjourn fora few minutes. At the expiration of the adjournment, they dismissed the case, saying that there was no perjury, and that the defendant, in alluding to the agreement, meant such an agreement as would he binding under the Statute. Mr. Conolly asked the Bench, owing to the position that the defendant held, that they should further state that there was ho ground for bringing the charge. The chairman, after consulting with the others, said they had stated already that there was no perjury. At the conclusion of the case a fracas occurred at the door of the Nelson Club. Mr. Bunny, who was junior counsel for the prosecution, was returning to his chambers, when he was assaulted by Mr. Percy Adams, brother of the defendant, who struck Mr. Bunny with a horse whip over the head. They closed, and blow’s passed freely, blood streaming from Mr. Adams’ moustache. Mr. Teschemaker and Mr. Langley Adams were then drawn into the- fray, which appeared likely to result in a serious breach of the peace, but on the advice of friends the parties entered the club and separated. When Mr. Teschemaker re-appeared in the street he was cheered by a large crowd which had congregated together.- Shortly after Air. Bunny on leaving was vociferously cheered. He addressed the assemblage, claiming that he had done but his duty as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand. He w r as further cheered, and groans were given for the Bench. April 16. Regarding the fracas outside the Club last evening, the police have summoned Messrs Percy Adams, Langley Adams, Bunny, and Teschemaker, for creating a breach of the peace. There is to be held to-night a public meeting to consider the late charge against Mr. Acton Adams.