WATT'S LAW?

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 527, 9 January 1878, Page 2

WATT'S LAW?

Mr. Watt, the junior Resident Magistrate of Duuedin, has already gained some notoriety by his pecu'iar notions with regard to the law and its administration. Another instance of the worthy magistrate's extraordinary method of lncteiug out justice is thus recorded by the Jimuiirj .News of Friday last : At the City Police Court this morning before Mr. Watt, R.M., a little boy named William, the crown of whoso head failed to reach the top of the attornies' table, appeared on the floor of the Court to answer a charge of throwing stones at a big, active-looking lad named Bornicki. Little Ray was represented by a decentlooking woman who spoke in a broad Scotch accent, and in ivr>iy to the bench said she was his graudn.'Uier. Bornicki, wlio had a square inch of sticking plaster on the side of his head, but seemed to sutler no inconvenience from the label, was represented by his father to be eight years of age. Nearly half an hour was expended by Mr. Watt examining and taking down the evidence of young Bornicki, which was shortly to the effect that on New Year's Day little Ray had, without the slightest cause or provocation, thrown some stones, one of which had been stopped by the side of his head, on the spot indicated by the sticking-plaster. At the termination of his evidence Mr. Watt asked the defendant's grandmother if she had any questions to put. Inreply she alleged that young Bornecki had been throwing stones, and her little Ray only retaliated. Another small boy was examined on behalf of Bornicki, and then ensued a lively discussion between Ray's grandmother and the Resident Magistrate on the rules of cross-examination. During this debate, the old lady was repeatedly told, in peremptory accents to " hold her tongue," "to put questions," and asked if she could not " understand plain language." The father of Bornicki having insisted on going on with the charge, Mr. Watt intimated that he would adjourn the case till 5 o'clock, informing Ray's grandmother that if she took the boy to the gaol and had him thrashed in the meantime, the oase would then be dismissed. The parties had just left the Court when Mr. E. Cook, attorney, addressing his 'Worship, said, '• You must pardon me, your Worship, but this punishment cannot be allowed. A child under seven years cannot be prosecuted criminally. The thing is monstrous." Mr. Watt, looking confused, commenced searching up the Justices of the Peace Act, while Inspector Mallard caused the children and their friends to be called into Court. Mr-. Cook ; You will find, your Worship, that a child under seven cannot be punished or criminally proceeded against. I am ashamed and surprised to see a man like the prosecutor bring such a child before the Court. The defendant is an infant just able to walk, while the complainant is a big active fellow of eight years, able surely to protect himself. "Bornicki. senior : That ish not reight. Mr. Cook : Shut up, sir ! _ Bornicki. senior : But I vill speak. Mr. Cook: You shan't, sir; you've said enough, and you'll hold your tongue. Mr. Watt : I think it is a pity a boy of his (defendant's) years cannot be got at. Parents neglect their boya instead of punishing them. Yesterday, I saw three boys holding a triangular duel. They were tnrowing stones. One got a cut on the head, and drew blond. That was in the market reserve. Windows are broken, and other mischief. However, the boy being under seven years is not subject to tho criminal law, and must be discharged. To Bornicki, senior : I'll tell you what I should do. T should take hold of the child and correct it myself. Bornicki : But I would then bo up for damages. That lee'le boy ish older nor he looks. He ish older nor he says. He ish eight or nine years, I verily believe. Mr. Watt: I can't hear any inoro. The parties then left tho Court.