THE RAWSON COMMISSION.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5434, 26 March 1889, Page 2

THE RAWSON COMMISSION.

m New Plymouth, last night. Aftei Mr Jones had spoken for some time* Commissioner Reid asked the complainant to confine himself to proving the charges made. Jones then wauted to call Mr Rawson, but Commissioner Reid said Mr Rawson need not go into the witness box, as the charge was a criminal one, and he need not give evidence to incriminate himself. Mr Samuel, as Rawson 's counsel, handed to Jones certain letters sent by Rawson to the Government in reply to the same charges when brought before the Ministers. The Court adjourned till 2 o'clock. To-day. At the Rawson enquiry Jones attempted to bring forward three witnesses to prove that natives had perjured themselves in the assault case when Jones -was finefl by Rawson for assaulting natives. The Commissioners ruled that no new witnesses could be called, but only those witnesses that appeared before Mr Rawson during the hearing of the "case. Jones then said it would be impossible for him to proceed with his charges if he could not get evidence. He wanted the Commission adjourned till today, when other .persons who have laid charges, but have failed to appear to support them, will be finally called upon to do so. The Commission is therefore now practically closed.