SUPREME COURT.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 205, 29 August 1873, Page 2

SUPREME COU RT.

CITIL SITTINGS. [Before his Honor {Mr. Justice Richmond-,] Eyes v. Henderson. Yesterday. George Henderson, (cross-examination continued) : I was asked to be chairman of the public meeting. . I refused at first, but at last they made such representations that I felt it to be my duty to accede to their wishes. About two months later there was another public meeting, when a deputation was appointed, of which I was one, to go to Wellington and insist upon the enquiry. The members of the deputation were appointed to conduct the case before the Commission. The enquiry was confined to Mr Eyes conduct in Picton and Blenheim in 1872. We called a witness named David Watson. His evidence clearly proved improper intimacy with the girl at Picton Mr Eyes denied it. and examined witnesses to cast doubts upon his credibility. A boy's evidence was also questioned by Mr Eyes on matters which he himself has since allowed to be true. Mr Eyes asked at the enquiry how it was possible that he could account for where he was every night he was absent from home. On the Saturday previous to the enquiry I saw Mr Eyes. He was going into Lawrence's store. As soon as he wentjin Lawrence came and stood at the door. Mr Gorrie came up to me. He then went into Lawrence's, and went into the store with him. Lawrence, at the enquiry, swore that Mr Eyes was not there at all that day. Re-examined : I understood the public meeting was to be called in reference to Mr Eyes and the half-caste. I did not indicate any line tliey should take. All that I bargained for \vas that order should be kept. My opening speech suggested that whatever was to be done 'should be in moderation. I did not before the meeting make any suggestion as lo the form of speech they should use. I didn't consider it my duty to countenance libellous proceedings. This concluded the case. for the defendant, and the Court adjourned until This Day. Mr Conolly addressed the jury for the defence for two hours and a-half. and Mr Travers for the plaintiff, for a similar period, and at four o'clock His Honor commenced to sum up, and had not concluded when we went to press.