A BILL OF COSTS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2666, 6 October 1881, Page 3

A BILL OF COSTS.

SECOND EDITION

Mr Travers’ remarks anent lawyers’ extravagant charges are applicable elsewhere, as well as in New Zealand, as let the following story, told by “Angles” in the “ Australasian ” testifyl have before me. now a taxed bill of costs, which is, in its way, a curiosity. Some time ago a professional man’s cheque was, by the mistake of a bank officer, dishonored. The bank offered reasonable reparation, and believed that the matter was settled. It was a surprise, therefore, to be served with a Supreme Court writ for a large sum (say £1,000) as compensation. However, £25 was paid into court as sufficient satisfaction, and the result of the action was that the Court awarded £5 more. The presiding judge said that the action ought to liave been brought in the County Court.' The plaintiff’s bill of costs was rendered, and its appearance before and after shearing in the woolshed of the prothonntary is enough to wring tears of anguish from any attorney. Here are the results : Amount of plaintiff’s costs (covering three foolscap pages) ... ... ... £127 13 9 Taxed off ... 120 15 9 £6 18 0 Paid Taxing Allowed at ... £6 18 4 After such cruel treatment as this’ one may expect a. lot of cancelled indentures and a rush for church curacies. “ iEgles ” tells of another lawyer who who was asked hy a client who could scarcely write his own name to “ fill in the body of the cheque ” by which he settled his account with the lawyer. Presently the client received another hill. il To filling in body of cheque, dss Bd.”