The Rawson Commission.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 6762, 26 March 1889, Page 3

The Rawson Commission.

(Per United Press Association.) New Plyjlocth, March 25. After Jones had spoken for some time, Commissioner Reid asked complainant to confine himself to proving the charges made. Jones replied •. "I am not competent apparently, and had better retire." Commisssioner Reid said : " Now listen, and don't be impertinent, or we shall have to lako some other steps; you must confine yourself to the first charges of maladministration of justice and corruption." It was the duty of the Commissioners to confine •Tones to these charges. Jones then wanted to call Rawson, but Commissioner Reid said Rawson seed not go into the witness box, as the charge was a criminal one, and. ho need not give evidence to incriminate bimeelf. Mr Samuel, as Rawson's counsel, handed to Jones certain letters sent by Rawson to the Government in reply to some charges when brought before Ministers. Jones, after reading for some time, jumped and wanted Corlrill arrested for carrying a revolver about to shoot him. Commissioner Reid said : "We have had this kind of thing once or twice; let us have an understanding. Do you say you will not proceed — that you withdraw out of the case." Jones said he would first finish Rawson's letters. In answer to charges, Mr Samuel said the next best thing for Jones to do was, if he could not get Rawson in the box, to get these letters put in as evidence as containing replies to all Jones's charges. If not put in as evidence, Jones would bave to return the letters. Tne papers were returned, and the Court adjourned till 2 o'clock. March. 26. Jones only called one witness, Mr Standish, solicitor and Crown prosecutor, whose evidence consisted chiefly of stating what had happened in Court during the native assault cases, in which Jones was concerned. In cross - examination Mr Staudish admitted that the deputation who waited on William Bayly consisted of himself, Bellinger, MpLftwhlan, and William. Humphries , and the last three, with William Bayjy, came to his (Standish's) offioa, and it was there decided to get Mr Bayly, as Mayor, to send a letter to the Minister of Justioe to aak for Sawson's removal. This metier was introduced at the BcTough Council last night, when, in reply to a, question, the town clerk said of the four names mentioned as forming the deputation only Bellringer was on the burgess roll. On resuming this morning the Commissioners said that as Jones had declined going on with his charges further they would direct the names of the others who had communicated with them to be called. This was done but there was no appearance of any one, and Commissioner Reid said. Mr Jellicoe, before he left had intimated he would not call evidence vx Duncan McGregor's cose, so it was, dosed. Mr Samuel saiA he wished the Commission to glance at th.c reoords put in. Commissioner Reid ■aid he had considered the question and come to the conclusion that it was outside the scope of their power. Mr Samuel said he thought it would be, but Rawson wanted to have a thorough investigation into everything. The Commissioners then intimated that as there was no busineiß before them the proceedings were closed.