SUPREME COURT—CIVIL SITTINGS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5128, 30 August 1877, Page 3

SUPREME COURT—CIVIL SITTINGS.

(Bofore His Honor the Chief Justice.) The Court resumed at ten o’clock yesterday morning.

THE WAKA MAOBI LIBEL CASE. A portion of the evidence of McGrath, as taken before the commission, was read, after which Mr. Conolly called John Stevens, who was examined at great length. He deposed that he was a native interpreter, at present residing at Bull’s, Rangitikei. He had resided in Napier in 1873 ; was then in the employ of Mr, Henry Russell, acting for that gentleman in the capacity of native interpreter. Mr. Russell had interested himself in endeavoring to recover for the natives land which had been wrongfully obtained from them. He was also examined as to the transactions between Arihi and Mr. Russell, bis evidence going to show that Mr. Russell had held money in trust foi; her.

At the conclusion of this witness’s evidence further testimony was read which had been taken before the ommission. Mr. Locke, the gentleman referred to in connection with Mr, Tanner in Arihi’s letter, was called to give evidence. He deposed that he was at the present time Resident Magis-

trate and Native Officer for the East Coast District. Before entering the Government service he was a native interpreter and agent, arid was at one time in the employ of Mr. Russell. He . deposed to laud transactions in Hawke’s Bay, and especially with reference to the negotiations for a block of land from Motua and others. A good deal of evidence was taken, and the examination in chief of this latter witness had not concluded when the hour for adjournment, half-past one, arrived. On resuming at half past two o clock the Chief Justice was informed that Mr. Sellar, one of the jury, had been suddenly attacked by epilepsy, and could not therefore serve on the jury. . , .... , .. Mr. Marchant also pleaded inability to sit during the afternoon, as he was seriously indisposed. , Mr. Macassy, on behalf of the plaintiff, said he should have no objection to proceed with the case with eleven jurymen, hut a lesser number of course would not suffice, so that the only course to pursue under the circumstances, so-far as he could see, was to adjourn. , Mr. Couolly, fcounsel for the defence, expressed similar views. • His Honor concurred, hut informed Mr, Marchant that it would be necessary for him to produce on the morrow ample medical testimony that he was unfit to serve. The Court was adjourned accordingly till 11 o’clock this morning.