ALLEGED PERJURY.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2016, 10 August 1880, Page 2

ALLEGED PERJURY.

At the R.M. Court, this afternoon, before Q-. L. Mellisb, E»q , R.M., George Hodgson, farmer, of Oust, appeared to answer the summons of John Murphy, money-lender, Christchurch, charging him with having, on the 20th July last, at Christchurch, “ falsely, wickedly, wilfully, and corruptly committed perjury in the testimony which he gave upon oath as a witness at the trial of a certain cause between John Murphy and George Hodgson, at the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Christchurch.” Mr MoOonnel appeared for the prosecution, and Mr Stringer for the defence. All witnesses were ordered out of Court. James Watt, bailiff, did not answer to his subpoena, Mr MoOonnel said he could not proceed without this witness, who was absolutely necessary, and ho would therefore a„k for a remand. Mr Stringer objected to the remand, on the ground of the relations of the parties, the nature of the charge, and the way in which it had arisen. Watts could have been called the previous day, as he was in attendance, and now he bad the benefit of the evidence which was published in the papers. Mr McConnel submitted ho had a perfect right to conduct his own case in any way ho chose, and his object in not calling Watts the day previous was because Bench had signified its intention of committing Murphy for trial. The Court adjourned the case until next day. If Watts did not appear then it would look as though ho was purposely keeping out of the way.')