A SCENE IN COURT

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2821, 12 July 1916, Page 8

A SCENE IN COURT

11KTWKEX JIAGfSTJRATE AND SOLICITOR. liv Telegraph—Press Association. Palmerston North-, July 11. At tho Magistrate's Court to-day, Air. Hurley, solicitor, of I'ulniettitoii, while cross-examining a witness, was pulled «p by the Magistrate, Mr. Hewitt, who said it was quite unnecessary to ask a witness the same question more than once, as he quite understood what witness had said. Mr. Hurley maintained thai, he had a right to question a witness as he liked. The Magistrate: "You do as I tell'you. Will you sit down ?" Mr. Hurley: "You are taking advantage of your position." The Magistrate: "I'll deal with you." Mr. Hurley: "Well, deal with me." The Magistrate: "Leave that table. Stand aside." Mr. Hurley: "I'll stand iat the table." The Magistrate, to tho Court bailiff: "Will you get a constable to remove Mr. Hurley?" Mr. Hurley then retired from the.solicitors' table, and - the Court business proceeded. With the conclusion of the business the Magistrate charged Mr. Hurley with contempt of Court. Mr. Hurley explained that he had been practising for twenty-six - years, and this was the first time he -had had a misunderstanding with a Magistrate. He had not sat down as hurriedly as some men might, but he did not wish to mako trouble. ■> His- Worship said tbc stalenient was only fencing with the.matter. "I gave you every opportunity to apologise, and if you don't apologiso I'll tuko proceedings. I'm not going to allow auyouo to run this Court." Mr. Hurley: "You don't suggest I am trying to run tho Court?" His Wondiip: "Yes, I do. Mr. Huriev: "That is alwurd." His Worship: "Well, if you don't apologise I will deal with you." t Mr. Hurley: "Is that a threat?" 1 His WorsEip: "I am not goinjr to take ally more talk of that kind. Will you apologise unreservedly or not?" . Mr. Hurley agaiu repeated his former statement. His Worship:-"That will not suit me." Mr. Hurley: "Well. what sort .of .an apology, do you want?" His Worship: "I want a straight-out apology, without equivocations." Mr. Hurley-.."We11, you won't get it." His Worship: "Y'ou will be fined £2-'