A COURT DIFFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 9 September 1926, Page 1

A COURT DIFFERENCE

S.AL. AND COUNSEL. [BY TELEGRAPH PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] AUCKLAND, Sept. 8. Application by counsel for leave to appeal against the sentence of a Magistrate led to- a heated exchange to-day in the public court. William George Cavenett, aged 39, for whom Air J. J. Sullivan appeared, was charged before Air F. K. Hunt, S.AI., with the theft on August 14th. of twelve pairs of men’s half hose, valued at £1 4s. the property of the New Zealand Shipping Company, and with stealing on May 14th., an axe valued at 4s 3d. also the property of the Shipping Company. The Aiagistrate sentenced the accused to two months imprisonment on the first charge, and convicted and discharged him on the second. Air Sullivan asked that, security for appeal on the first charge should he fixed, but the Aiagistrate said that could he done some other time. ATr Sullivan: “I would like to arrange for the money to-nay.” ATr Hunt: “Very well. You can appeal. and you may get the sentence reduced. Security will he fixed at £l6 10s. hut I have not entered up yet. I will give him one month on the second charge. You cannot appeal on that. That will put a stop to these appeals.” Afr Sullivan: “But you cannot do that! A r ou have already convicted and discharged him.” Air Hunt: “It is not entered np yet.” Afr Sullivan: “Well, will Your Worship make it a month and a day, so as to allow an appeal?” Afr Hunt: “No! T will not! The two sentences will fie concurrent.” Air Sullivan : “But that is most unfair.” Afr Hunt: “That is the end of it. It is settled.” ATr Sullivan : “I submit there is a case, A T our Worship.” Air Hunt: “That will do.” . Air Sullivan : “But I am dealing with a point of law. Yon have got to listen to me. 1 submit that you must.” Afr Hunt: “If you do not sit down, I will order you out of the Court.” Air Sullivan attempted to argue further. but the Aiagistrate thereupon loft the bench. The licensed collapsed at this point, and had to bo carried oiyt of the Court