BENCH AND BAR-

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1448, 24 May 1912, Page 4

BENCH AND BAR-

"THIS ABOMINABLE AND MONOTONOUS TASK." .l)r Tolecraph—l'rcas Auckland, May 23. n Another "breeze" occurred in tlift Supreme. Court to-day between Judge Kdwards and Mr. T. Cotter, K.C. Mr. Cotter was questioning the plaintiff as to, the signing of a certain document, when his Honour interjected that, Mr. Ootlor. must desist from cross-examining p.aintill' as to the accuracy or oilierwise of statements lic- had made in tho witness-box the previous day. Mr. Cotter retorted that lie had asked, the question to show that >plaiutiiT had miu.o some "rash statements." His Honour: Any "rash statements'' are duo to what is equivalent to tho torture of plaintiff, who was in (ho witness-bos!' all yesterday afternoon, and has been there all this'morning, Mr. Colter voiced strong objection to reflection being thrown on his method of cross-examination. He had his duty to liis client to perform. His Honour (with warmth): The cropsexamination of witness has been undulf prolonged. Hs has been unfairly press, oil for his opinion on subjects of which lie knows nothing, and his replies tne treated as being assertions of fact. Mr. Cotter was endeavouring to explain that he had a-ked the gucstions because' plaintiff's counsel had raised the point in question the day bfforo when lie was stopped by his Honsur, who remarked: "Mr. Cotter, you have had two speeches, now proceed." Tho cross-examination had a<xt progressed much further when Mj\ Cotter's methods were again under criticism. His Honour: How can I carry cut this abominable and monotonous task of writing down irrelevant questions if counsel will persist in repeating witness's words? I won't allow it. A little later his Honour was addressing Mr. Cotter, when he was interrupted by Mr. Cotter asking if he might rnako an explanation. t His 1 "Honour: Never interrupt anyone, Mr. Cotter. Even in ordinary _ conversation this is a cardinal rula in good manners. Never interrupt a Judge unless you have the gravest possible reason' for doing so. .