On his own.

Manawatu Herald, 27 August 1903, Page 3

On his own.

One of the plaintiff’s at a Mokate’s Court recently pin mm success to a proraisory note for £ll 10s coupled with a charge of £l7 6s lid fdtf interest calculated at 41 per cent, as per agreement, for five years 202 days. The defendant had the assistance of counsel, and the magistrate asked plaintiff whether be had not a lawyer too, the response being: “ No, sir, I never employ lawyer's.” Thereupon the case began, and the lawyerless litigant got l.b.w, first ball, the professional man oU the other side pressing home the objection that the stamp on the promissory note was not cancelled. Plaintiff could not understand this, and said, “ Bdt it was him that put it on,” "1 can’t help that,” was His Worship’s answer; “perhaps! he may be punishable, but in the meantime you cannot recover. Plaintiff went on to ask the Magistrate about sorrie other document which was produced, but His Worship replied that his office was to adjudicate, not to give advice. “ I don f t say you may. not ultimately recover,” was His Worship’s parting remark, “ but you cannot recover as it is. You had better see a lawyer—it will be cheaper for you in the long run.” A bit of advice the point of which was that plaintiff had to "pay £2 2s costa upon the nonsuit being recorded.