RONALD=HARPER CASE.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 840, 11 June 1910, Page 5

RONALD=HARPER CASE.

CONSPIRACY CHARGES. By Tclejraph—Press Association—OopyriKh! (Rec. Juno 10) 8 p.m.) ( ' Melbourne, June 10. Mr. Justice Hood ordered the acquittal of Messrs. Robert and William Harper, charged, with conspiracy in connection with tho Rouald-liarper case. 1

[Sonio time ago the Rev. J. B. Eonaid sought to recover from Mr.' Robert Harper, M.H.R., the sum • of ,£3OOO as damages for alleged slander and libel. The verdict was for defendant, in whose interest various witnesses gave evidence as: to the Rev. Mr. Ronald tolling/filthy stories; etc. A series of charges of conspiracy and perjury was then brought agr.insfc those concerned in tho defence, and recently one of them, Patrick Hill, was found guilty and sentenced to imprisoninent for five years • ancl nine months. The present charges, before Mr, Justice Hood .and a special jury, are against Robert, Harper, M.P., William Harper, "William Brockett, Walter Kemp, Patrick Ilill, and John Huxley. When he was arraigned Hill pleaded that lie had ■ alroa'dy been convicted of the charge. The jury was empanelled to settle the point, and it decided against Hill. All - the accused pleaded not guilty.]