KISSING A MARRIED WOMAN.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13889, 29 April 1907, Page 2 (Supplement)

KISSING A MARRIED WOMAN.

ASIIBURTON, April 19.

louring tlio past week a good deal of interest has been taken in a. caso affecting an evangelist who, for fully six weeks, lias hoen conducting religious services in town, known as tho Hamiltan-Garmoiig Mission. The caso was hoard at court to-day, when 0. E. Hamilton was charged before two just-io,-. with having, 011 llarch 22, at tho houso !.£ a married woman, Louisa. Nesbit, committed an unlawful assault. Tho assault consisted in defendant going to the house of complainant, and, without her consent, plncing Ill's arm round her and kissing her. gave an absolute denial to the accusation, and called Mr, John Gait. Mayor of Mat-aura,, and tho Rev. W. j. Hast-ie, of Dunedin, to givo evidence as t(j oharactcr. ..In giving judgment, tho Bunch said: "Tho easo before tho court is for an assault. Tne question of tho moral .character of tho plaintiff has nothing to do with the case. Mrs Ncsßit gave her ovidenco in a straightforward way. and it was .not shaken by cross-examination, and thero is corroborativo ovidcuoe. TKat ovidence has not been shaken at all. The defence ovi-. dent-ly attach weight to the point that there has been a conspiracy among the four wit-i nesses who gave evidence/for tho prosecution. Wo find evideme'e of no suoh conspiracy. The sanctity of the home must bo profceotcd, and wo are of opihion that am assault took, nlacc, and fine (lofenda-nt £5 and cosis." Counsel-for the defendant asked leave for a rehearing and appeal owing to the prominent position 1 occupied by tho defendant.