COUNSEL F. WITNESS.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume II, Issue 184, 4 July 1874, Page 2

COUNSEL F. WITNESS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Having been in Court to-day during I lie hearing of the case Read v. Dempsey in which case Mr. Bobertson said that the stuff he inspected was not tallow but slush, and as Air. Robertson did not in my hearing express any opinion as to the value of said slush, I was rather astonished to hear Mr. Wi Ison say that “ a foolish old man had declared it worthless,” and I was more surprised (tin Mr. Robertson objecting to his evidence being added to) at hearing Mr. Wilson say “Don’t answer me; it is a serious thing to insult counsel and a thing too frequently done in this Court.” Now, I should like to ask you how about counsel who insult witnesses ? Suppose, for instance, the witness had called Mr. Wilson “ a foolish old man ” or “ a stupid old fool,” how would it have been then ? Are not witnesses entitled to equal consideration with counsel? Is a witness who knows exactly what he has said, to sit quietly while counsel allege he has given evidenep ..which he ■« • . Andif lie attempts to explain, is he to be bullied and almost threatened? Will the Court not interfere? In conclusion I quite agree with Mr. Wilson that these things are of much too Frequent occurrence. I am led to make these enquiries as I may perhaps some day unfortunately be, A Witness.