MERCER COURT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 179, 3 August 1897, Page 2

MERCER COURT.

(Before Captain Jackßon, S.M.) A SPECIAL sitbintr of this Court was held From Tuesday to Saturday of lasb week, inclusive, to hear the case of Spilsbury v, Milne, an affiliation case, in which William Milne, junior, of VThangamarino, Waikabo, was charged that he had refused bo maintain an illegitimate child the daughter of Miss Ann Jane Spilsbury, of Churchill, of which he was alleged to be the putative father. The case had been commenced on May 26th, but as ib could nob then be completed it was adjourned for hearing to (he 27bh, 28th, and 29th July, and those days were specially fixed for the purpose. The Court accordingly opened on Tuesday morning lasb for the purpose. As on 26th May, Mr Cotter appeared for complainant and Dr. Laishley for defendant. The case lasted in all six days, and 30 witnesses—l 7 for complainanb and 13 for defendant—gave evidence in it. The case was certainly the most extraordinary affiliation case ever tried in bhiß most provincial district, the evidence being absolutely contradictory on all main points. Apparently ib was anticipated thab the fighb would be long and bibber, for prominenb Auckland barristers had been retained on both sides, and witnesses were brought bo testify from various distant places, And certainly bhe fighb proved both long and bitter, for passages from time to time occurred between counsel which were very sultry. Immediately the evidence was concluded bhe Stipendiary Magistrate gave judgment for the defendant. He said the evidence was so contradictory bhab he could nob make an order against the defendant. No cosbß were given. Great interest was taken in the case in all the Lower Waikabo district, the several parties connecbed with ib being all very well known in those localities.