“GIVE ME MY HAT”

Hokitika Guardian, 17 April 1931, Page 7

“GIVE ME MY HAT”

CHINESE COURT WITNESS. COUNSEL GIVES UP. WELLINGTON, April 14. Chinese witnesses always neate interest in the Police Court, especially when--as often happens-—the public seems inclined to believe that the witness knows more English than he admits. Air F. \Y. Qngley may have been of this opinion in the police court yesterday with regard to a witness who had admitted blandly at the outset of his evidence that he was the occupier ot a house 'Tor pakapoo.” At ail events he elected to conduct a direct examination of the witness in English. It was not much of a success. “Can this man speak English?” lie asked the interpreter. “A little, he says,” was the interpreter's reply. Air Ongiey (to witness); Can you converse in it? interpreter: He says he can make himself understood. Mr Ongiey: Well, I’ll have a go at him. (To witness) —What did this man say to you when he came back “Give me my hat!” What ditl you say to him?—“Give me my hat!” No, what did you say to him? — (After a pause): “Give me my hat!” It was he who said that. What did you say?—“Give me my hat!” You cannot understand that. You don’t know what I’m talking about? —(No answer,) Can you not understand what T am saying to you?—(still no answer.) Did you ever see the man before "No. see him before.” Mr Ongiey (pointing to accused): Is that the man you hit with the slot 1 ? -(Pause); “No, no, 1 don’t talk it.” Air Ongiey did not ask many more questions.