Mr Smythies : I will prove what took place before the House ot Representatives, and then I will read two affidavits testifying to my character. All the Otago members have known me for years, and all. with one exception voted for this Bill ; that ought to be evidence of my oharacter.
Mr Travers : The reas nof the Bill being passed was no doubt the hardship upon Mr Smythies of ex post facto legislation affecting his pre- existing rights. The question was not one of character.
Mr Smythies proceeded to read a statutory declaiation made in England on the eighth day of June, 1869, by MrF. L. M«ville. This declaration had been obtained for a purpose in England, and had not been obtained or in tended for these proceedings. Meiville de clared that he had known Mr Smythies from 1864 to May, 1868, and had always found him to b« upright and honorable. That every one in Dunedin had regretted the proceedings taken against him, and thought them wrong. Mr Smythies read another statutory declara tion made by Mr W. H. Clayton, Colonial Architect, who testified to the excellent character of Mr Smythies, and to the superior education and refinement of his family.
Mr Justice Johnston : Persons who pri vately knew Mr iSmythiei may believe him to be perfectly upright, but here specific charges are made against him professionally, and these must be met.
