A BARRISTER’S DODGE.

Temuka Leader, Volume 2, Issue 120, 12 February 1879, Page 3

A BARRISTER’S DODGE.

i We remember an audacious trick in , which a living ex-judge, then Sergeant 8., once obtained a verdict for LIOOO ! on no evidence or materials at all. He 1 informed the jury that the case was a ; short undefended one, an action on a , bond for LIOOO given by Messrs Cubitt, I the great builder, for the completion of i some houses within a certain time ; and 1 that there being some mistake in the 1 specification, the bond was therefore 5 forfeited. The learned counsel then J called for his witness to prove the ' execution of the bond, but again - addressing the jury said that the bond (holding up a paper) carried a interest at L 5 per cent, which they could not press for, though it amounted to L 250 but would go simply lor LI 000. This . unexpected speech surprised the very f excitable Sergeant, who defended and , and who immediately started up and said that he feared they could not contest the . bond; it was a mere question of interest and as that had been given up they . would take a verdict by consent for the | LIOOO without any proof of the bond.’ j This done the two sergeants met j in the ruhing-room, “ Brother,” said | Sergeant C., yen sold your client nicely ! j “How so?” quoth Sergeant B.; I’m | not accustomed to sell my clients, though | I somethiuics soli counsel on th-) opposite | side.’ £ But why didn’t you go in forthe j L 250 interest ? You must have got it ! if you had read your bond, 1 Wc did not I want to read it.’ ‘Why, what was that j you had in your hand ?’ ‘ Only a blank ■ sheet of foolscap, brother !’ The verdict i ' had been given by consent, and could | not be disturbed. j