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Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 430, 13 September 1877, Page 2

During his examination as a witness in the Wulm Maori libel case, Mr. J. N. Wilson, a, veteran and highly respectable solicitor practising in Napier, made a statement of- a very extraordinary nature wi'tli reference to the history of certain deeds constituting the .alleged li Hori N-iania Swindle." The statement is of a highly damaging nature to his Honor Judge Ward, and calls for some explanation. That Judge Ward should so far forget the dignity of his position as to counsel the adoption of a discreditable artifice in order to evade the law, we can scarcely believe, much as we respect the high moral character and well-known integrity of Mr. Wilson. In justice to Judge Ward, an opportunity should be afforded fcim. of explaining the matter, and removing the slur which has been cast upon him. In order that our readers may fully understand the charge which has been made against his Honor the District Judge, -we reproduce tko I ' l <nv<-.n nf the ailair by the Wellington Post. After explaining the circumstances which led to Mr. Wilson's statement, our contemporary says :

He [meaning Mr. Wilson] had to explain why, in a certain transaction between the plaintiff and some Natives, the consideration being < 5 •<), two deeds had been executed instead of a simple conveyance —namely, a mortgage of 14110, and a.conveyance of the equity of r demotion for LlO. Mr. Wilson said very bluntly, " f prepared a conveyance, expressing the true consideration, but Mr. Russell, acting on the suggestion of a o-entleman well known in the profession, adopted a rather ingenious devios for eva iing the dut-,' under the Native Lands Act to the amount of 1.,50, and a fresh conveyance was engrossed by Mr. Uiissell's clerk in lieu of the one I had sent." The witness added that he entirely disapproved of this clever device. In cross-examination, Mr. Conolly elicited that the "gentleman well known in the profession" was Mr. Dudley Ward. Mr. (Jonolly quietly remarked, "For the credit of the profession, I am glad you have mentioned the name." His Honor said, "I presume,' Mr. Wilson, the duty:under the Stamp Act was likewise evaded ?" To which the witness replied in the affirmative. His Honor : " Was Mr Ward in practice at this time?" Mr. Wilson: "No, your Honor, he occupied then the distinguished position he now fills—th.it of District Ju !ge !" The members of the bar exchanged significant looks, and there was an expression of blank astonishment on the faces of many in Court. Until Judge Ward lias had an opportunity of giving his version of the story, it would be manifestly unfair to comment upon- the matter. We therefore refrain from giving any opinion upon, the merits of the case, but content ourselves with asking his Honor to make a public explanation of the affair. In the event of his failing to do so, we certainly think that the Government should institute an inquiry as to the truth of the allegations, which are certainly of too serious a nature to be allowed to pass by unheeded.