EVEN HANDED JUSTICE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 201, 14 August 1908, Page 4

EVEN HANDED JUSTICE

An Irishman, who was travelling in a wild part' of Hungary, was anxious -to see theinslitiilions of the country, and made an application to a town 'mag strate asking to hear how justice 'was conducted. Ihe magistrate, gorgeous in a maguiliceut Magyar costume, received liim cordially, and sent for any case which might be awaiting trial. A gigantic gendarme in an immense- cocked liui ushered in a prisoner, a plaintiff, and a witness. Tlie prisoner was accused of stealing the plaintiff's goose. "Well, sir," said the magistrate to the accuser, "what have you to say?" " Please, your high mightiness, 'the prisoner stole my goose." 'The magistrate turned to the witness. "W'hat have yon to say'" "'Please, yum- mightiness, I saw the prisoner steal the goose." "Prisoner, what have you "to say?" " Please, your high mightiness, I did not steal the goose." The magistrate then delivered the sentence.

" 1 give .von a fortnight in prison," lie said to the accused, "for stealing lh.' goose." To the.plaintiff he said, "I give you a fortnight in prison for not looking alter your goose"; and, turning to the witness, " You shall have a fortnight in prison for not minding your own btisi-