District Court.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 3, Issue 40, 12 January 1883, Page 2

District Court.

YESTERDAY. (Before the Registrar (i. W.Woou Esq,) APPLICATION FOR. THE REMOVAL OP TRUSTEES. (Continuation of Report.) Mr Hawkins then read the affidavits filed, which showed that a large quantity of goods had been left m the store at the time uf the dissolution of partnership between Jones and Palmer on the 14th of June last year, and which had not been accounted for by the trustees m the books, or by cash sales, the di£feren3e between the stock-taking list and the amount accounted fo.* by the trustees representing a laege amount. Mr Palmer was the first witness called, and went over the several items separately as they appeared m the stock' list. Joseph Palmer continued his evidence and after swearing to each particular item of gooJs nob accounted for, certified to a number of receipts for goods sold and delivered to him m the estate of Thomas Jones. | At this stage of the proceedings, the dull monotony was enlivened by a rather fierce passage of arms' batween Mr Li aw* kins and the opposing counsel, because Mr Hawkins asked a question on a certain document which he afterwards refused te put m as evidence, it not being before the Court. Mr Hawkins asked the Court that the document might be impounded, and contended that it had been placed m evidence through being put m the witness' hand. Mr Hawkins having got possession oi the document refused to deliver it up, and high words passed between the legal gentlemen engaged. Mr Hankins accused Mr Hawkins of talking Billingsgate slang, and the latter replied that Mr Haukins must know more than he did about Billingsgate. The Bench oßked Mr Hawfcins to give up the document, but he refused, even at the risk of being committed for contempt of Conrt. Mr Hankins stated thai the bailiff was present and could get possession of the i document. Upon this Mr Hawkins said he " would like to see the bailiff assault him." A broad table table prevented matters going any further, and during a lull the Registrar stated he would make a note of the matter, alse that be had been placed m an awkward position it being the first time he had sat on the Bench, and he was not supposed to be an authority on the subject. The storm then subsided. Palmer was then cross-examined by Mr Hawkins on the stock list, and the various receipts &c. placed m evidence, «nd also as to where the firm bought its goods. The evidence was of no special interest, and after being reexamined by Mr Hawkins the evidence of this wit» ness was concluded at the rising of the Court at 6 o'clock. The Court was adjourned till 10 o'clock this day, The case is still proceeding.