"PLAYING HIDE AND SEEK"
-.-.»—: . ■ A MINISTER CRITICISED. The absence of the Hon. G. W. Russell, from Wellington on Saturday led to some severe criticisms -being passed on mm by Mr. D. M. Findlay in the Magistrate 8 Court. ... ~ There was nn application before the Court to have the evidence of the Minister taken before the Magistrate hero in connection with several cases to be heard this week in Christchurch- '. . , , Mr:' Findlay accused the Minister of playing hide anil seek between Wellington and Christchurch. Mr. F. V. Frazer, S.M.:. Do you suggest that lir. Russell has gone to Christchurch to avoid giving evidence?-. Mr. Findlay: I not only suggest it; 1 state it, and I know why. It is because his evidence will be contradicted by a statement put into Court. Mr. Frazer: I am not able to make any comment on what you say, as I have not Mr. Russell before me, and do not know what his explauatin may be. ' Mr. J. E- Howie, who appeared for-the defendant in the suit, stated that Mr. Russell was unable to be present Mi he left for Christchureh the'previous evening Counsel therefore asked for a further adjournment. "After all," ho said, '"the matter is not a very important Mr. Findlay: "I do not agree with that. There is nothing more important in any country than the proper administration of the'law, and the social status of the person concerned should not be taken into consideration at all." Counsel suggested that Mr. Russell should be penalised for, as ho .alleged, deliberately defying the Court. He pointed out that.this was the fonrth occasion that the matter had been before tho Court. . Previously, January 13 had been arranged for the taking of evidence, but Mr. Russell did not appear, and mnde l o explanation for his absence. On that occasion the Magistrate imposed costs totalling £2 25., and adjourned the case until that day. Now, without any apparent reason, Mr. Russell had again failed to respond to his subpoena, and had inconvenienced both the" plaiDtiff and the defendant.: Mr. Findlay asked that the annlication to take evidence should be adjourned to Christchurch in order that Mr. Russell might be compelled to put in an appearance there. . . ' , The Magistrate was of opinion that serious inconvenience r.ad been occasioned the parties, and adjourned the application sine die. Mr. Findlay was allowed £1 2e. costs. . v
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Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 104, 27 January 1919, Page 4
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397"PLAYING HIDE AND SEEK" Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 104, 27 January 1919, Page 4
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