A BAD START.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 August 1921, Page 2

A BAD START.

JURYMAN LATE FOR COURT. FINE OF £5 IMPOSED. The absence of a juryman caused some inconvenience in proceedings at the bupreme Court, New Plymouth, yesterday morning. The Court was about to resume the hearing of a case adjourned tne prevous day. His Honor intimated to counsel he was ready, when there came an interjection: “Excuse me, Sir, there is one jurvman short,” from the policeman who is entrusted with the marshalling of the twelve good men and true. Enquiries were set on foot, but a few minutes’ search did not disclose the whereabouts of the absentee. . • „ “Suppose we proceed without him, said counsel. “I am afraid I can’t allow that, replied His Honor. A deadlock having been reached, the Court adjourned temporarily, and the search was renewed. Meanwhile the eleven jurors filed out into the sunshine, and the legal luminaries paced up and down the corridor. Half-an-hour passed by, and the missing one hove in sight; he had been found complacently strolling on the seafront. The Court resumed, and the juror was asked to explain his lack of punctuality. “I was down on the esplanade, Your Honor, . and did not know it was so late,” he replied. “I cannot accept that as an excuse,” said His Honor. “You are fined £5 for your absence.