THE RAWSON COMMISSION.

Press, Volume XLVI, Issue 7253, 8 March 1889, Page 5

THE RAWSON COMMISSION.

[PHE3S ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.] NEW PLYMOUTH, March 7. The Commission re Rawson resumed this morning, when Mr Jeliieoe, of Wellington, was present to act for those who wished to make charges. Commissioner Eeid has received charges from Wm. Humphries, Alex. Boswell, and Michael Byrne. BoswelTs charge was to thee iect that Rawson corruptly and vindictively committed him for trial at the Supreme Court, when he must have known the charge was false; that Raw son tampered with and hindered Boswell's solicitor, and would not allow him to call evidence to rebut the evidence given. William Humphries charged Eawson with having conspired with iiessrs Samuel and Corkill to procure Herman Wallath to take a false oath, amounting to perjury, for the purpose of injuring Humphries; also that Bavr on attempted to induce Wallath to swear an affidavit which he knew was false; Hum phriee also charged Rawson with being unduly influenced in the administration of justice by Mr Samuel, and to the prejudice o Humphries. Michael Byrne charged Mr Rawaon with impropriety as Registrar of the Supreme Court, in drawing up and completing of orders. Mr Jeliieoe asked for the time to be extended for filing charges, as people could not come to interview him before Saturday, and a number of witnesses had to be subpoenaed from Hawera, Manaia. and other places. He asked the Commission to adjourn to the twiddle of next week. The Commission thought the charges first sent in should be first disposed of. Mr Rawson thought it would be prejudicial ''< if he had to reply to any charge before all were in. Mr Jeliieoe agreed that Mr Bawson's application was fair, as no accused pprson was asked to answer charges piecemeal. Commissioner Reid said if Mr Jeliieoe commenced, and showed a strong prima fade case, the Commission perhaps would consider calling witnesses and paying expenses. Mr Jeliieoe took Humphries' charge first, and examined Mr Wallath, after which the Commission adjourned to 2 p.m. Lates. One charge of conspiring to injure Mr Gr. Hutchison was proceeded into. The first witness examined deposed that District Judge Rawson, Messrs Samuel and CorkiU had asked him to swear an affidavit making a serious charge against G. Hutchison, solicitor, in order to get him struck off the rolL He was a bankrupt at the time, and Mr Rawson promised him payment of money and his immediate discharge from bankruptcy if he would make the affidavit, as it contained untruthful allegations. Mr Rawson declined to examine the witness on the ground that a mine was sprung on him, and he required counsel to defend him. The further hearing of the charges was adjourned till Wednesday in order to allow Mr Hesketh, from Auckland, to be present to defend Mr Rawson. The case is creating great interest here*