A SCENE COURT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 251, 24 April 1880, Page 2

A SCENE COURT.

Gishokne, April 22. The Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday again presented an undignified so.'ue. The case against A. Fmby for perjury was proceeding, and during the examination of ono of the witnesses for the prosecution, Mr Matthew Price, one ot the presiding Magistrates, expressed his astonishment at the witness re olccting what had transpired about tlirm months ago. The witness objected to the discredit being thrown upon his testimony. M'- Price replied that the witness's recollection was better than a suort-hand reporter's dotes. Mr Rees, solicitor for the prosecution remonstrated with tho Bench and said such scenes tended to bring tho administration of justice into contempt, and made it difficult to conduct cases in the proper way. Mr Matthew Price forthwith committed Mr Rees for contempt, and ordered tho bailiff to take him in charge which he dil. By this time tho Court was thronged with spectators. Mr Rees refused to withdraw the expression complained of, and after a little time, when things became cooler, the Bench lined him LI, and then adjourned the Courc. Mr Rees declined to pay tho fine, and the Court again assembled. A number of persons j wero anxious to pay the fine, but Mr i Rees would not consent, preferring to take the alternative of a fortnight's imprisonment. He declines to go on with the case, and his clients being unable to conduct their cases, and refusing to employ other ceunsel, and another adjournment of two took place. Through the strong medUtiou of friends of both parties, Rees consented to pay the fine, and appeared in Court for his clients in tho afternoon .