CAHILL IN THE BOX.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2497, 22 March 1881, Page 4

CAHILL IN THE BOX.

The dull monotony of the Supreme Court sittings in Lawrence last Monday was relieved considerably during the examination of James Cahill in the Chinese case—the Crown r. Ah Boon. In the course of evidence (as reported in the “ Times ”) it transpired that a European was observed by the Chinese witnesses as being present in the gambling-house when the affray eventuated. On entering the box. Cahill was interrogated thus by Mr Haggitt (Crown Prosecutor) —Are you the European spoken of by previous witnesses as having been present when the alleged dispute occurred amongst the Chinese? Witness —Yes; I’m a European. Counsel —Prom the North of Ireland, I presume. Witness—No ; from the South of Ireland, faix! Counsel —What did you see or hear on the night of the row ? Witness—l could hear the Chinese talking loudly, but I couldn’t tell what they were spoking about. Counsel —Did you see any blows struck ? Witness—l saw a man get on the table, and hit the prosecutor a “ sthroke ’* with a slate. Counsel (repeating the evidence) —You saw prisoner hit Sang Sing _ a “ shtroke” with a slate. Witness (indignantly)—l didn’t say “ shtroke I said “ shtroke.'''' Witness laid great emphasis on the last word, resulting in the creation of immense laughter in Court, in which prosecuting counsel heartily joined. At a later stage, when the same witness was being cross-examined, the following colloquy occurred :Mr Chapman(defending counsel) —When you were in the gambling house on the night of the alleged dispute, you say you heard a great deal of talking, which you couldn’t understand. Did you anticipate a scrimmage, ? Witness—A what? Counsel —Did you expect a scrimmage ? Witness —What’s that? Arrah, man! spake English, then I’ll understand ye ! —(Laughter.) Counsel—Well then, did you expect to see a general fight ? Witness —To be sure not, I don’t call that a general fight when a dozen men pitch into one poor fellow. I call a general fight, a fight where all hands take a part, and each pitch into the other. Counsel—Perhaps you’re not far astray. —(Laughter.) The witness was shortly afterwards allowed to “ stand down” without further amusement being afforded either to the jury or the spectators.