LICENSING CONSPIRACY CASES.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 313, 12 July 1898, Page 2

LICENSING CONSPIRACY CASES.

THE CHARGES WITHDRAWN. FRESH INFORMATIONS SWORN. (by telegraph.—press association). Wellington, Saturday. At the Magistrate's Court this morning, before Mr Kenny, S.M., Armishaw and Checketts were charged with perjury, and Armishaw, Checketts and Taylor, M.H.R., with conspiring in connection with the recent licensing cases. Mr Jellicoe appeared for the prosecution, and Sir R. Stout for the defence. Mr Jellicoe asked for a remand. Sir R. Stout urged that the case against Mr Taylor be dealt with at once. He submitted there was no offence. Mr Kcuuy : " I have some doubt myself. Mr Jellicoe : " I think we can satisfy your Worship." Mr Kenny granted a remand until Friday. Checketts did not appear in Court this morning, as he had left for Christchurch before the warrants could be executed. The police expect that he will be arrested to-day. Checketts came from Lyttelton in custody this morning, and was hooted and jeered by a large crowd on the wharf when brought ashore from the Rotomahana. He has not yet been admitted to bail, and will appear before the S.M. on Monday morning. Wellington, Last Night. When Checketts was brought before the Court to-day, Mr Travels appeared for Mrs Blyth and announced that he was instructed to withdraw all the informations. Mr Jellicoe, who appeared in the case last week, was present, and said he knew nothing of 'his development. The cases were adjourned till the afternoon. When the cases against Checketts, Armishaw and Taylor were called again this afternoon Mr Travers said he had no evidence to offer in their support, and Mr Kenny accordingly dismissed them on the summary charge without prejudice. Sir R. Stout asked for costs, but MiKenny said it was not a proper case for costs. Mr Travers said he had made an explanation to Mr Jellicoe regarding his connection with the case, which Mr Jellicoe had accepted as satisfactory. After the cases against Armishaw, Checketts and Taylor were dismissed this afternoon, Sir R. Stout said there was no improper reason as suggested for Checketts leaving for Lyttelton before he was served with the warrants, and there had been no attempt to elude justice. It was known that after the first case Checketts was shadowed, and in the crowd outside the Court at least one licensed publican was heard to say that ,! he would make it hot for him." They feared that Checketti would be subjected to personal violence. " However," concluded Sir Robert, " this doesn't end the matter ; we shall sec more of it." This afternoon Mr Thompson, a commission agent, swore another information against Taylor, Armishaw and Checketts, similar to that previously laid by Mrs Blyth, i.e , charging them with having counselled and procured the commission of an offence punishable ou summary conviction, to wit, the sale of beer by a licensed victualler, etc. Mr Jellicoe is acting for the proseeution. It is probable that actions for malicious prosecution will be begun by the prohibitionist party against those concerned in bringing about the cases which were to-day dismissed by the Magistrate.