WITHOUT HER CONSENT.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XV, Issue 894, 25 April 1907, Page 21

WITHOUT HER CONSENT.

From Ashburton last Friday it was reported that during the past week much interest has been taker in a case affecting an evangelist who for fully six weeks has been conducting religious services there in what was known as the Hamilton-Gar-mong mission. The case was heard at the Police Court on Friday, when O. E. Hamilton was charged before two Justices with having, on March 22nd, at the house of a married woman, named Louisa Nesbit, committed an unlawful assault. It was alleged that defendant went to the house of the complainant, and without her consent placed ah arm round her waist and kissed her. Defendant absolutely denied rhe accusation, and called John Galt, Mayor of Mataura, and the Rev. W. J. Hastie, of Dunedin, to give evidence as to character. In giving judgment the Bench said:— “The case is for an assault. The question of the moral character of plaintiff has nothing to do with the case. Mrs Nesbit gave her evidence in a straightforward way, and it was not shaken by cross-examination, and there is corroborative evidence. That evidence has not been shaken at all. The defence evidently attaches weight to the point that there has been a conspiracy among the four witnesses who gave evidence for the prosecution. We find evidence of no such conspiracy. The sanctity of the home must be protected, and we are of opinion that an assault took place, and we fine defendant £5 and costs.” Counsel for defendant asked leave for a rehearing and appeal, owing to the prominent position occupied by defendant.