TRIAL OF AN M.H.R. FOR PERJURY.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1317, 26 June 1880, Page 2

TRIAL OF AN M.H.R. FOR PERJURY.

+~ (by telegraph.) Nelson", June 26. The charge of perjury against Acton Adams, M.8.R., was concluded last night, at a little after eleven o'clock. An hour and a half was spent in settling the special jury. Of a panel of 36, Mr. Conolly, who defended, challenged 10, and Messrs. Fell and Bunny, for the prosecution, ordered 12 to stand aside, and when the list was got through but nine jurors Were in the box, the remaining number not attending. Those for whom medical certificates were not presented, and did not attend, were fined L 5 each. The list was again commenced. Mr. Fell then claimed to try certain jurors, but ultimately agreed to take the first 12 by ballot, and the case then proceeded. For the prosecution Mr. Baddeley (Clerk of the Court), Judge Broad, Mr. Donald (purchaser of Marahan), Mr. Thomas (late owner and mortgagor of the same), Mr. Edward Moore (solicitor who took notes at the Pistrict Court),- and Mr. JonfS (articled plerk to Adams), were the witnesses called, but the case for the prosecutibn was not as strong as it was before the Magistrates. At the conclusion of the case for the prosecution, Mr. Connolly said hp should call no witnesses, and Mr. Fell addressed the jury for half an hour, making a good temperate speech. Mr. Connolly followed for an hour and a half with a most effective speech, the Court being crowded. The Chief Justice then, Bumnjed'up, occupying two hours, and the jury retired, and, having in the meantime asked a question of the Judge, in just over half an hour announced a verdict of not guilty, which was receivgd with some applause. His Honor expressed his entire concureence in the verdict.