SCENE IN A COURT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1722, 10 April 1888, Page 2

SCENE IN A COURT.

> A bit of a scene occurred at the Beaident Magistrate's Court, Duoedin, on Friday afternoon, between Mr Car aw and Mr Denniatoun, during the progress of a case that came before the Court., in the earlier part of the day it was evident, from the tenor of one or two remarks that passed between the two gentlemen, that it required little to bring about an angry foiling. Another case in which thy learned counsel was not engaged came on, and prevented an immediate collision, but when the next case was called on, and Mr Denniatoun appeared on one side, the storm soon broke. Counsel in opening the case for the defendant, remarked that be would attempt to prove this, and try to show his Worship that. Just then he was interrupted by the Magistrate, who accused him of expressing himself in a way that showed' he thought that the Bench had come to a certain conclusion. Such was not the case so fur, as the Bench was just as willing to be shown the other way. Counsel would please go on with his case. Mr Denniatoun, thereon murmured something to the effect that he was afraid it would not ba of much use. This reached his Worship's ears, and ha immediately responded as follows: —" But it is of use, Mr Dnnoistoua,* if you will only use proper language and be more courteous." Mr Dennistoun exclaimed that he was very unfortunate; every word he said wus turned by his Worship into a aonsa that lie did not intend. Mr Carew continued- -" That, Mr DennistquQ, was most discourteous, and few persons holding the position of Resident Magistrate would put up with it. Counsel would please goon with his case," Mr Dennisteun—" I shall certainly uot go on. I have not said a single word that is discourteous to you and you hare no right to put it in that way." His Worship (to the opposing counsel, Mr Gallaway)— "I get io annoyed by Mr Denniatoun that you will see I am scarcely able to put up with it. I shall adjourr. the case for an hour." The Court was accordingly adjourned, and both gentlemen eugaged in the controversy'jefp in evidently an excited frame of mind. On the Court resuming Mr Dennistoan made the amende honorable by saying he regretted if His Worship had pot a wrong construction on his words. Probably his manner had conveyed more than was in his mind at the time.; Mr Carew said he was quite willing to let the matter drop, and the case then proceeded in peace and quietness.