THE LUNDON CASE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9795, 19 October 1917, Page 10

THE LUNDON CASE

appeal court reserves JUDGMENT. The case concerning tho alleged professional misconduct of John Raphael Lundon, barrister and solicitor, or Auckland, was continued in the Appeal Court yesterday. It was alleged that on or about January 24th Lundon made a gross overcharge of £IOO against a client, Joseph Fletcher, of Auckland, labourer, for his services _ in obtaining pre-payment from tho National Bank of Now Zealand, at Newton, of a sum of £6OO lodged by Fletcher with the bank on fixed deposit. It was further alleged that Lundon persistently failed to account to Fletcher and his solicitor for moneys held by him in trust on behalf of Fletcher .from November, 1915, to March 28th, 1916, although repeatedly requested in writing to do S °Tho Bench was occupied by the Chief Justice. Mr Justice Denmston, Mr Justice Cooper, Mr Justice Chapman, and Mi Justice VH os king. Mr H. F. von Haast "appeared for the Law Society, and Dr Fitchett and Mr A. A. Blair for Lundon. Mr Blair continued his argument that Lundon was perfectly within his rights to refuse bo give particulars when he was asked concerning what was virtually a loan. Mr von Haast in reply expressed astonishment that a solicitor should refuse to furnish accounts to a client. Such a proceeding, he contended, as a primary principle, must be branded ns misconduct. At tho time the bargain wasmado for the payment of £IOO to Lundon tho transaction contemplated was of the simplest character. Tho fact was that an Unconscionable _ bargain had been made of a kind which no reputable solicitor should make with a client. Tho court reserved judgment.