A TERRIBLE “SELL."

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2292, 22 July 1880, Page 3

A TERRIBLE “SELL."

The Auckland" Herald ” of July 10, tells the following capital story . An instance occurred ye.s(erda.y of the “ sell ” inquisitive before his Honor Mr Justice Richmond, an intelligent jury, and a full Court. Mr Brookfield was the cross-examining counsel, aud a stout and very nervous lady named Connelly was the witness giving evidence in the ease of Robert Little, charged with fniudulent bankruptcy. Some pictures had been placed ‘ under ” the witness’ house with her consent by the bankrupt’s wife. The witness said she had refused to allow them to be brought “ into ” her house. With the keenness of a practised examiner, Mr Brookfield took this to mean that the witness had a knowledge of the fraudulent intentions of the bankrupt and his wife, and he pressed Mrs Connelly further as to the extent of her knowledge in the following vein Did you know the goods were part of the bankrupt estate ?—-No.—Did .you refuse to have them in the house because you w'ere afraid you and your husband would get into trouble ? [The witness trembled violently, and was helped to a glass of water b} r the crier of the Court.] Answer the question, madam ? demanded the counsel. Witness—l had rather not. Counsel—l shall ask his Honor to compel you. Witness [again trembling violently as if with fright] —I cannot. His Honor—You must answer the question, witness. You come here to give evidence. Witness—Well,l was afraid she had bugs!’ This closed the cross - examination. Counsel, Court, and Jury relapsed mentally.