The Agnew Trouble.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume III, Issue 316, 25 June 1889, Page 4

The Agnew Trouble.

Thi following is a portion of the report of the Agnew case heard in Wellington last week:— Agnew: “ Sergeant-Major Morice, you tell stories. The Government have swindled us Ont of our land.” The defendant proceeded to question the witness concerning his statemeat, etc. Mr Brown (chairman of the Bench) ; Agnew, we can’t listen to this. Agnew ; Well they have no right to tell stories, and (turning to witness) you know that we have 105 acres of land, and you have the papers in your possession. Witness; Oh, no, X have not. Agnew (to the Bench): We only want satisfaction and justice from the Governmentc The Chairman! We do not want to hear anything about your grievance. Mr* Agnew (vehemenently) i You are here to see justice done to ns, Mr Brown, The Chairman: Have you evidence to bring before us as to your present financial position. Agnew : We have no right to be brought Into the Conrt at all. The Chairman: We don’t know about that. Agnew continued addressing the Bench in a violent manner, The Chairman: Silence I have you any money ? Mrs Agnew : We want some, sir. (Laugh%ew : We have some. The Chairman : How much have you with yon now ? Both defendants (eagerly) : We have several shillings. Sergeant Morice said that was so. They had two or three shillings. The defendants: And quite enough to keep us. Yon had no right to bring us here. The Bench : If you do not keep silent we will commit you for contempt of Court. The Chairman said the Bench considered that they had sufficient evidence before them in proof of the charge, and the sentence of the Court would be that each of the defendants should undergo a month’s imprisonment with hard labor. Mrs Agnew; It’s an unjust sentence.” Agnew ; "All right. We will again pray for you while wo are there, and we, won’t forest you. Thank you.” Mrs Agnew i It is a made-up because the sessions are coming on. Respondents were led from the magisterial chamber by the attendant unstable!, uttering violent disclaimers a'jout the charge, the injustice of the wh^ le proceedings"