BLEHEIM.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3423, 11 December 1879, Page 2

BLEHEIM.

Last night.

Tho Litol Caso.

Doberty's cas« for libel is still proceeding. The effect of Travers' special plea was that Doherty was not guilty, that the libel complained of was true in substance and fact, that Earle Reduced his niece, and had frequent intercourse with her while she wan liring under his care and protection, and that the publication was for the public bened , as Earle had been a Councillor of the Borough of Blenheim just previously, thut at that time he was a candidate to fill a vacancy, that he held office as a Grand Councillor in the Good Templars tor the South Island, that he held office in the Presbyterian Church, and had served and was entitled to serve as a Grand Juror, and it was for (be public good that the allegations should be cleared up and such a person debarred from holding sueb offices. - Mr Connelly asked for an adjdornment to consider the plea which was granted for an hour. He demurred that the publication was for the benefit of tho public. On reassembling Mr Connelly said the evidence must proceed, and the case then went on and the publication of libel was proved. Mr Travers opened tho case and detailed a most horrible story, comprising a series of alleged offences of a grossly indecent nature. This afternoon Fanny Townsend gave her evidence in chief, and detailed a number of indecent acts, and the committal of a capital offence.

Other important witnesses' are to be examined. '