A FIGHT FOR A CLIENT.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2114, 31 December 1879, Page 2

A FIGHT FOR A CLIENT.

A somewhat amusing fight for a client occurred before the Christchurch Bench on Monday, the belligerent attornies being Mr Joyce and Mr Xcck. A man named John Russell being charged with obstructing a constable when the attack was made on Barrett’s Hotel, and Mr Neck appeared for the defence. While the proceedings were going- on, Mr Joyce suddenly appeared on the scene, and, addressing the Bench, stated that he bad been brought down to the Court under an engagement to appear on behalf of the accused. He could not understand Air Neck’s position, and desired to ask the accused one question, “ Have you instructed Air Neck to appear for you ?” Mr Nock said that ho had been duly instructed in the case. Mr Joyce continued to say that it was the second time in his experience that Air Neck had clone this kind of thing, and as Air Neck was not a member of the Law Society, the reason for putting the ejnestion was obvious. He (Mr Joyce) had thought it desirable to let their Worships know how the matter stood. Mr Neck : “ I received my instructions both from the man himself and from his brother.” The question was now put to accused, his reply being, “ No, I have not.” The brother of accused was then asked the same question, and replied, “ No. I saw Mr Neck at the depot and had a conversation with him. 1 believe he went in and saw my brother. I told Air Neck that if X intended to employ him I would call at his office, but I was advised not to employ him.” Mr Neck again asserted that he was duly engaged, and that the amount of his fee was agreed upon. Of course, if people thought lit to change their mind it was nothing to him. The Bench remarked that prisoner appeared to have availed himself of MiNeck’s services, and that they could not very well interfere in such a matter. The doubly defended one was fined 40s.