SENSATIONAL CHARGE.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 April 1917, Page 4

SENSATIONAL CHARGE.

Protest by Crown.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COPYRIGHT.]

HAMILTON, April 19.

At the conclusion of Mr. Lundon’s address ip the charge of perjury against a native in the Supreme Court this afternon, Mr. Mays representing the Crown said that Counsel for tho Dfeence had told the jury in effect that two of the constables who had given evidence in the case, had committed perjury in an affilation case at Auckland, and he was in serious doubts as to what should he done in the matter. These constables had not been asked a yingle question in tho present case relating to that matter, and he thougne he should have an opportunity to interview them. In his opinion it was one of tho most- serious statements ever made to a jury and Mr. Lundon had so pushed this position as counsel, that it was a question whether it should not form the ground for an application for a new trial in the case of an acquittal.

After further discussion his Honor said that had it not been for the expenses incurred in connection with the case, and the difficulty of witnesses attending Court he should he very much inclined to squash the whole proceedings. It was a most unfortunate thing that Counsel for the Defence should have been allowed himself to he carried away, and refer to those matters. The witness concerned should have been questioned on the matter when in the box. The eases were adjourned until Friday.