PERJURY CHARGE FAILS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4379, 17 February 1922, Page 2

PERJURY CHARGE FAILS.

- A QUESTION 1 OF WAGES. A Charge of perjury was brought against Epiha Ngawiki, of Paeroa (Mr Cahill), before Mr Justice Herdman at the Supreme Court at Auckland on Tuesday. The allegation was that the accused, when giving evidence before Mr J. H>. Salmon, 5.M.,, at Paeroa oo November 25, respecting his ability to discharge a debt, swore that, his wages were only £2 a week, such assertion being known to Him to be false and being intended to mislead the Court.. Accused pleaded not guilty. . Mr S. L. Paterson, who appeared-for the Crown said that accused, who appeared at Paeroa on a judgment summons, under examination by the solicitor for the creditors was asked what wages he received from his employer and he replied £2 a weekHe made the same reply to the Magistrate, Subsequently, the local constable, as inspector of factories, visit? ed the brewery where accused was employed and inspected the wages and time book, which showed that accused was receiving £3 a week-. His employer would endorse this statement, but would explain that he deducted 12/6 a week for food supplied to accused, and 7/6 was also deducted to liquidate a debt owing to him by accused. His Honor, addressing the jury, said it was possible accused misunderstood the question put to him in the lower Court. The jury, without retiring, found accused not guilty, and he was discharged.