INTERESTING COURT CASE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1358, 8 February 1912, Page 4

INTERESTING COURT CASE.

AT LOWER ITOTT. A case which has created considerable interest came before the Magistrate's Court at Lower Unit yosterduy. Magnus Hailger, a No-License advocate, brought a charge against J. li. Wooldridge, that he did, on December 2!i last, during the currency of a. prohibition order, obtain liquor from wmo person or persons unknown. When the wise wa.s mentioned Badger stated that, the action was originally called on in Wellington, and was adjourned to Lower Jlutt. An endeavour was to have been made to have defendant committed to Pakatoa. ]le'(plaintiff) had now decided not to go on with the case, as it lrad already served its purpose. Wqnldridge had slopped his drinking habits, and there wa.s little to be gained by bringing the matter into open Court. Mr. Ayson, who appeared for Wooldridge, asked that the case should be proceeded with. "Wn have a good dei'euce, and we would like the ease taken on its merits," he said. "The facts are common property in_ this district, and the man should Ire given an opportunity to clear his character." Dr. M'Arthnr: "1 see nothing to be gained by that course, liesidw, I have a Irtler from Mrs. Wcnldridgo admitting that her husband had been drinking, but slating that his habits had improved since." Mr. Ayson said the point was that ho wanted to expose the methods which ho alleged had Iwn employed by Mr. l.iadgpr, and those with him. They had not treated defendant fairly. Dr. M*Arthur: "Well, I don't see now that the case should bo goue on with." Mr. liadj-or: "Tn view of the remarks niiule by Mr. Aywn 1 am eager ami willin.!; to proceed. 1 have my witnesses present." Mr. Ayson proceeded to make further reference to the methods which, ho staled, were adopted by plaintiff. "I challenge you to repeat that outside," said plaintiff. "Come outside and say those things again, and I will bring a 'civil fiction. I am anxious to proceed with this charge, now. 1 " Dr. Jl'Arthur: "The ease' is withdrawn." Mr. Ayson: "If tho case is withdrawn I will apply for rosl». Dr. M'Arlhur: "Well, under the eirenmstnnres I am not going to." Mr. Badger asked leave to say something, but Dr. M'Artlmr replied "by asking him to "hi aniet or co outside."