THE CASE OF ACTON ADAMS, M.H.R. [UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.] NELSON, Thursday.

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1217, 17 April 1880, Page 3

THE CASE OF ACTON ADAMS, M.H.R. [UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.] NELSON, Thursday.

The charge of perjury against Mr Acton Adams has occupied the Bench of Justices — consisting of John Sharp, Hon. N. Edwards, B. Reeves, P. M. Donald, T. McKay — two days, and at the close of the case for the prosecution, Mr Conolly, who appeared for the defendant, was stopped by the Bench, who said they wanted to adjourn for a few minutes, and at the expiration of the adjournment they dismissed the case, saying there was no perjury, and that the defendant, in alluding to agreements, meant such agreement as would be binding under the Statute of Frauds. Mr Conolly asked the Bench, owing to the position the defendant held, that they should further state that there was no ground for bringing the charge. The chairman, after consulting with the others, said that they had stated already that there was no perjury. At the conclusion of the case a fracas, occurred at the door of the Nelson Club. Mr Bunny, who was junior counsel for the prosecution in the charge of perjury, was returning to his chamber, having legal books and documents under his arm, when he was assailed in a cowardly manner by Mr Percy Adams, brother of the defendant, who struck Mr Bunny with a horsewhip on the head. They closed, and blows passed freely, blood streaming from Mr Adams's moustache. Mr Teschemakev and Mr Langley Adams were then drawn into the fray, which appeared likely to result in a serious broach of the peace ; but, qii the advice of friends, the parties entered the club and separated. When Mr Tcschcmaker reappeared in the street he was cheered by a large crowd whioh had congregated together, and shortly after, on Mr Bunny leaving, he was cheered vociferously, whereupon he addressed the assemblage, claiming that he had done-to the last his duty as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand in his conduct of the case. He had had unpleasant things to say, but if the same neoessity occurred again to-morrow, he should be ready to do his duty, whereupon he was further cheered, and groans were given for tte Bench.