CONTEMPT OF COURT.
KICKING AGAINST THE PRICKS. Auckland, February 9. A stormy scene in the Police Court this afternoon culminated in Mr W. E. Hackett, a younger member of the Bar, being fined by Mr Dyer, S.M., ,£5 for contempt of Court.
Mr Hackett was appearing for the respondent in an application for judicial separation. The evidence bad been taken and the Magistrate was reviewing the case when counsel rose to make some remarks. He was told to sit down and on rising again was informed that in summary cases counsel only had the right to an opening address.
Mr Hackett said: I have a statement to make.
The Magistrate: It doesn’t matter. I have told you to sit down.
Mr Hackett: I only want —— The Magistrate (warmly): “Sit down.” Mr Dyer continued to refer to the evidence, when Mr Hackett again rose and was once more told to sit down. Mr Hackett did so, but presently was on his feet again, when Mr Dyer told the Court attendant to take him into custody. When the case had concluded, Mr Hackett was brought before the Court to show cause why he should not be dealt with for contemp of Courtt. After a smart passage -at - arms the Magistrate imposed a fine of £5 for contempt of Court, adding that if it were not paid within a week Mr Hackett would have to go to gaol for seven days. Mr Hackett: I may say with all due respect that I shall never pay that fine. Auckland, February 10.
At the Police Court this morning, Mr Hackett, the solicitor who was placed in custody yesterday for alleged contempt of Court by Mr Dyer, S.M., for refusing to sit down when ordered to do so, applied for an adjournment and for bail, in order to consult senior counsel.
This was refused most emphatically by the Magistrate, despite Mr Hackett’s persistent and strenuous protest, Mr Dyer eventually saying; “ I convict you of contempt of Court, and fine you ,£5. If the fine is not paid within one week, you will go to gaol for seven days.” Mr Hackett: I may say this in no disrespect—l will not pay that fine !
Mr Dyer : It is a matter of perfect indifference to me.
Replying to further remarks, Mr Dyer said an application for a rehearing could be made in the usual way.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MH19090211.2.16
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Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 450, 11 February 1909, Page 3
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396CONTEMPT OF COURT. Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 450, 11 February 1909, Page 3
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