MAGISTRATE AND SOLICITOR.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9034, 22 January 1908, Page 5

MAGISTRATE AND SOLICITOR.

A PASSAGE-AT-ARMS. B'l* TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION. WHANGAREJ, January 21. During the hearing of a charge of assault against Constable Douglas, of Hikurangi, a scene occurred between the Magistrate (Mr Dyer) and Mr Ilaclcett (solicitor), cf Auckland, who appeared for the informant, Dan McLeod. The latter had been put off the racecourse by the constable", who was acting under instructions from the Racing CFub, who refused admittance to unlicensed bookmakers. When questioning the constable, Mr Hackett tried to get a posi'ive answer as to whether the constable had the direct authority of the club for his action. Mr Dyer, to Mr Hackett: You are wasting the time of the Court, as you always do. Mr Hackett: Am I not allowed to question witness in my own way? Mr Dyer: Will you proceed? Mr Hackett: I will proceed in the proper way. Mr Dyer: You will proceed according to my instructions. Mr Hackett: I will not be intimidated by you. Mr Dyer: If you use the word intimidated again I will put you where you will be kept quiet. Mr Hackett: I repeat I will r.ot be intimidated. Mr Dyer (heatedly) : Sit down. Mr Hackett: I will sit down pre sently. Mr Dyer (vehemently): Sit down. Mr Hackett: lean only ask permission to withdraw from the case. Mr Dyer: You can withdraw. Mr Hackett: I certainly will withdraw. Mr Hackett thereupon left the Court. The charge of assault was eventually fdismissed with costs amounting to £1 7s.