BEARDING THE MAGISTRATE.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 July 1916, Page 4

BEARDING THE MAGISTRATE.

SOLICITOR FINED FOB CONTEMPT. iPalmerstoi, N„ Last Night. At the .Magistrate's Court to-day, Mr. Hurley, a solicitor of Palmerston, while cross-examining a witness, wag pulled up by the magistrate. Mr. Hewitt, who said it was quite unnecessary to ask the witness the same question more than once, a s lie quite understood what the witness had said. Mr. Hurley maintained his right to question the witness as lie liked. The Magistrate: You do as 1 tell you. Will you sit down?" Mr. Hurley: "You are taking advantage of your position.'' The Magistrate: I'll deal with you." Mr. Hurley: Well, deal with mo." The Magistrate: "Leave the table and stand aside." Mr. Hurley: "I'll itand at the table." The Magistrate (to the court bailiff): "Will you get a constable to remove Mr. Hurley?" Mr. Hurley then retired from the solicitor's table. At the, conclusion of the business the Magistrate charged Mr. Hurley with contempt of Court. Mr. Hurley explained that he had heen practising for twenty-six years and this wa a the first time he had any misunderstanding with a magistrate. He had not sat down -.is hurriedly as some men might, but he did not wish to make trouble. His Worship said the statement was only fencing witli the matter, adding: "I gave you every opportunity, to apologise, and if you don't apologise I'll take proceedings. I'm not going to allow anyone to run this court." Mr. Hurley: "You don't suggest I am trying to run the court;" His Worship: "Yes, I do." Mr. Hurley: "That is absurd." His Worship: "Well if you don't apologise I shall deal with you." Mr. Hurley: Is that % threat?" His Worship: "I am not going to take any more talk of that kind. Will you apologise unreservedly or not?" Mr. Hurley again repeated his former statement. His Worship: "That, will not suit me." Mr. Hurley: Well, what sort of apology do roil want?" His Worship: "I want a straightout apology without equivocation." Mr. Hurley: Well, yon wont get it." His Worship: You will be fined £2."