IN BANCO.

Auckland Star, Volume IV, Issue 1206, 4 December 1873, Page 2

IN BANCO.

IN THE MATTER Oi? J. RICHIIOyD, SOLICITOS.

In this case (partly heard the previous day) Mr Rees rose to reply to the arguments of Mr Gillies. It will be remembered that Mr Richmond was called upon to answer certaiu imputations of unprofessional conduct in the matter of Craig's bankruptcy. Mr Gillies argued that the imputations were wholly unfounded, and that the solicitor on the other side (Mr Rees) should baar the costs of the proceeding. To this line of argument Mr Rees now replied, urging that the proceeding was justifiable ; that Mr Richmond had acted unprofessionally and improperly in filing a proof by Mr Burt of a d«bt against Craig's estate of £900. The learned counsel at very considerable length went over the history of Harris and Craig, and the Whangapoa Saw Mill site, togethar with the circumstances attendant upon the purchase of that estate by J. S. Macfarlane. He contended that the filing of this debt by MiRichmond was done with a view to defraud Craig. He urged that Mr Macfarlane and Mr Richmond conspired to ruin Craig, and that the manner in which this debt was proved indicated a concealment and fraudulent purpose. Havingreadamass of affidavits, coveringa variety of matters whichhaveformed tlie subject matter of litigation, extending over many years. Mr Rees concluded by urging that sufficient at all events had been shown, calling upon the Court to administer some reproof or punishment to Mr Richmond for misconduct as Craig's solicitor. The Court reserved judgment.