CHARGE AGAINST THE HON. C.J. PHARAZYN.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VI, Issue 573, 10 January 1882, Page 2

CHARGE AGAINST THE HON. C.J. PHARAZYN.

[press association telegram.]

WELLINGTON January 5. At the Supreme Court to-day the Hon. Charles Johnston Pharazyn was indicted on a charge of personating at the general election for Thomdon by applying for a second voting paper in his own name. Defendant who pleaded «• Not Guilty," waa undefended- Mr Gordon Allen appeared to prosecute. The evidence for the prosecuthat Mr Pharazyn, after having voted at one booth, applied at the second for a voting paper, which was supplied to him, and having filled it up he deposited it in the ballot box. In defence Mr Pharazyn explained that his voting at a second booth was a mistake. He entered the booth for the purpose of voting for Mr Johnston, a candidate forTe Aro electorate and on receiving the voting paper he struck out the name which was not Mr Johnston's, and left under the impression flint he had voted for that gentleman. As soon as be found out his mistake he did his best to remedy ir. His Honor summed up briefly. He said that if the jury came to the conclusion that defendant had committed an act which the Legislature specified as an offence, it was their duty to convict him. It : was quite possible for them, however to return a special verdict should they consider circumstances justified such a proceeding. After a quarter of an hour's deliberation the jury returned with the followm; verdict:—" The jury find that Mr Pharazyn having voted once at an election for

Thorndon, did apply at tho same election for v voting payer in his own name, but so applied unci„r the.impress'on that be was voting at a different electorate for another candidate, and believe that the mistake was honestly made." Mr Pharazyn contended that the verdict amount ;d to one of not g' ilty. The Chief Justice aud counsel for the prosecution thought differently, -and eventually the question was leserved for tbe Appeal Court. Mr Pharazyn being admitted to bail on entering into his o.vn recognizance of £50 to appear for judgment when called upon. Great interest was manifested in the case.