A MAGISTERIAL SQUABBLE.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1923, 23 April 1880, Page 3

A MAGISTERIAL SQUABBLE.

[By Tele&baph.J GISBORNE, April 22. The Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday again presented an undignified scene, when the case against A. P. Hardy for perjury was proceeding. During the examination of one witness for the prosecution, Mr Mathew Price, one of the presiding magistrates, expressed astonishment at the witness recollecting what had transpired about three months ago. The witness objected to discredit being thrown his testimony. Mr Price replied that witness’ recollection was better than a shorthand reporter’s notes. Mr Rees, the solicitor for the prosecution, remonstrated with the Bench, and stated that such scenes tended to bring the administration of justice into contempt, and made it difficult to conduct oases in a proper way. Mr Price forthwith committed Mr Bees for contempt and ordered the bailiff to take him in charge, which the bailiff did. By this time the court was thronged with spectators. Mr Rees refused to withdraw the expressions complained of, and after a little time, when things became cooler, the Bench fined him £l, and then adjourned the Court. Mr Rees declined to pay the fine. When the Court again assembled a number of persons were anxious to pay the fine, but Mr Rees would not consent, preferring to take the alternative of a fortnight’s imprisonment. Mr Bees declined to go on with the case, and his clients being unable to conduct their case, and refusing to employ other counsel, another adjournment for two hours took place. Through the strong intervention of friends of both parties, Mr Bees consented to the payment of the fine, and appeared in Court for his clients in the afternoon.