SCENE IN A MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2509, 5 April 1881, Page 2

SCENE IN A MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Dunedin, April 4.

A short but wordy battle took place between Messrs M'Dermott and Denniston dnring the progress of the business at this day’s sitting of the Resident Magistrate’s Court. The affair started unexpectedly, and was, apparently, not led up to by anything that transpired in the case that was being heard. The first warm words that were audible were the following from

Mr M'Dermott —I’ll make you eat the leek, as I did your partner. Mr Denniston replied—You are an underbred ruffian ; I always knew you to be one.

The Magistrate, Mr Simpson, here interposed with the following—l will not allow such language to be used here ; the Court is being turned into a bear garden, and counsel shall not be allowed to use such language to each other, Mr Denniston you should withdraw such a remark.

Mr Denniston—l apologise to your Worship,” Mr Simpson—And you too Mr M’Dermott should apologise for what you have said.

Mr M’Dermott —I also apologise to your Worship. The reference to Mr Denniston being made to “ eat the leek ” of course refers to the case in which Mr W. D. Stewart apologised sooner than defend an action for slander by Mr M’Dermott. From the reputation of the two learned gentlemen, further warfare is looked for.