JUDGE AND COUNSEL DIFFER.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1439, 14 May 1912, Page 4

JUDGE AND COUNSEL DIFFER.

UNUSUAL SCENE IN COURT. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) Auckland, May, 13. An unusual scene closed the sitting oi ihe Supreme Court to-day. Mr. 1. potter, KC who appeared for tho Wa.hi G.M. Co. in a case in which Ihe company was sued for moneys alleged to bo due as Customs duties, pursued a form of cross-ox-nmination which was strongly objected to bv J Sr. Justice Edwards. . "Purir." his cross-examination of tnroo witnesses, Mr. Cotter was repeatedly told by tho Judge that lie was wasting time, aiid that the case, which was one ot a large number, must he shortened. Sir. Colter said he was quite ready, as the Judge knew, to accept the ruling of the Court, but sought to explain his reasons for putting the questions as he had ('one. ~ , , , ~ His Honour declined, to hear the reasons, and refused also to take down certain questions and answers which counsel asked him to 1 note. "If vou are not satisfied with my notes, Mr. Cotter," ho said, ."you can get somebmlv else to take them." lie further told Mr," Cotter to put his questions without making speeches about them. Mr. Cotter still urged rertain questions, but was repeatedly told by the Judge not to interrupt, and nnal.y tn« barrister was brought to a verbal standSt "L really must ask your Honour to treat me with common courtesy, he Mm, and sat down. . , Mr Cotter then proceeded to pack up his briefs, stating that his intention was (o conduct his case proper!,v, and t.mt Mi. Tuliks, who appeared with him, would continue the questions. Jle then rehitd to another scat oil the »ar. , Mr (\ j. Tanks said he was placed in ii "most uncomfortable position, lie was not 'irepared to continue examination. ' Hii Honour: "The mse will be adjourned till 10 o'clock to-morrow morning. In the meantime counsel will please realise that questions must bo asked as direct que'iicns, and not waste so much time,"