COURT SCENES.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 898, 22 May 1903, Page 1

COURT SCENES.

THE RICHARDSON PLAY IN AUCKLAND.

In the course of the hearing o[ the Richardson libel case, during some remarks by Ilis Honor to accused the latter broke in with : “ Just now

I have got as good a position in this Court as you have.” Ilis Honor : If you do not be quiet, you will have to go out of Court. Accused : I would sooner do that than have this sort of trial.

IDs Honor ; I had hopes that you we 10 going to behave yourself decently to-day, Accused ; I can behave as well as anybody in New Zealand. His Honor : I will leave that to anyfiody to judge. Accused : ’Phis' is the most singular liia! that you have had in this CVurt. His I fonor : Yes, if is !

Accused : You have used your position to shut out evidence that ought to go before the jury. At first you upbraided me for wasting the time of, the Court, and now you want me to call all the doctors in the place to get what I coaid get from Dr Collins. Ilia Honor : Your conduct is most ov.tia&cous. ■Accused : I don’t care what your

Tie doe says. Your bias has bee-, most pronounced from start to finish His Honor: That is a most infamous assertion and a lie. I have never given so much indulgence to any other prisoner, and all I get in return is abuse. Accused : You never had such a case U fore. This is a liquor conspiracy, His Honor : Be quiet. Do _ not mako speeches.- I won’t have it. Accused : 1 don’t care what you will have. I know what I will have. I want a fair trial.Tils Honor : I will have decency in this Court, but I am afraid that I am not likely to get it. Accused : f am defending die interests of these women, who have been illegally killed by the liquor traffic ami as" soon as there is a chance q£ getting some evidence it is shut out bv every trickery of the Court. His Honor: This is most abominable I don't know how 1 stand it. j don’t think 1 will stand it- much longer. Arc vou going to examine the witness? I have submitted to vour insolence for four days, and if 1 j, a ve any more of it 1 wilt commit you on the spot.Accused : Very well : you will have itie chance if this sort of thing continues. His Honor : You arc not addressing yourself to the Court, but to the "people outside. Accused : I am glad there arc people outride. His Honor: They have nothing to

do with the case. Accused : Oh, yes, they liave, if their mothers and brothers and sisters arc being killed. His Honor : I order you to lie. si-

lent, except to put proper questions. The doctor is here to give evidence. Accused : Yes ; and then you stop him answering my questions. His Honor : I have not slopped a single proper question. Go on. Witness was asked one or two further questions, but- they, contained nothing of importance.