BREEZE IN COURT

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 12, 9 October 1918, Page 5

BREEZE IN COURT

WORDS FROM THE BENCH. ' , There was a sharp passage-at-arms in the Magistrate's Court yesterday between Mr. W. G. Riddell, S.M., and the representative off a judgment credi--tor. - ■ . ■ '■ ■:'■■. '■ ;

Tiie case was one in which it was sought that an order for committal should bo made against a men who had incurred a liability of £8 12s, 10d. some years ago,,and had been ordered recently to pay the amount off by instalments of £1 per month: As the debt had not been wiped! out the present were" instituted. The judgment debtor stated that despite the fact that he was.earning £300 a year ho could not make, any offer, as his position was no hstter now than when he was earning £200 per: annum. He bad four children, the oldest of whom!was eighteen years old, and was earning just sufficient to keep himself. After listening-to the applicant's questioning tfor some time, Mr. Bidd'ell summarily interrupted the by intimating that he ,did not wish to %ear anything further. Ho varied the previous order by stipulating that the judgment debtor should pay off the debt by instalments' of. 15s. a month, but fixed'no- alternative .in case the conditions of the order were not complied with. ■■'■..■

•' "Won't you fix a default?" asked file applicant of His Worship. "No; I will not fix a default," re- ' plied Mr. Riddell.

"That is no good, as there is no option," observed the applicant. His Worship (warmly): You don't know what you are talking about! Applicant: I don't see any advnn-

Mγ. Eiddell: I don't want you to address me in that fashion! If yon want b<. know what the law is, consult a solicitor.

"I don't want to consult a solicitor," was the reply. ■' His Worship (sharply): Very well, then, don't argue with me! Tliat will do! . .