A POLICE COURT INCIDENT.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3159, 10 April 1909, Page 5

A POLICE COURT INCIDENT.

THE BENCH'S PERSONNEL CHALLEGNED.

When the Masterton Police Court was opened on Thursday morning last the presiding Justices were Messrs M. C. O'Connell (Chairman), R. Brown and J. Cross. Prior to the hearing of a charge against two young men, Who were subsequently convicted for creating a disturbance to the annoyance of the residents in the vicinity, Mr C. A. Pownall, who appeared for accused, stated that he did not wish che case to be" proceded with while Mr Cross occupied a seat on the'Jßench. His objection was on the grounds of bias and prejudice regarding himself. While the speaker was going along the street on Wed nesday he was accosted by Mr Cross, who took the opportunity of alluding to a case wherein false pretences where alleged that had been heared that day. Mr Cross stated that he (Mr Pownall) had got all his own way in the case referred to, and that had he been on the Bench ths result would have been very different. He further stated that he would make a point of being on the Bench the following day. Mr Cross: I did not. Mr Pownall: You did.

Contnuing, Mr Pownall said that such statements were most unjust, and calculated to cast a reflection on the Justices of the Peace, who had heard the case. After such an incident, in Mr Pownall's opinion, neither his client nor himself were likely to get justice while Mr Cross was on the Bench. He strongly objected to Justices "sticking him up" in the street about such matters. Further, he intended to report the matter to the Minister for Justice. There were three Justices on the Bench when only two were required, and as the other two had been summoned, and Mr Cross, in accordance with his promise, had thrust himself upon ttfie Bench, he would call upon Mr Cross to retire from his seat. The speaker resumed his seat, and an unusual silence reigned in the Court. Mr Pownall: Do you intend to retire? Mr Cross: Yes, I'll retire. Mr Pownall: The best thing you can do. Mr Cros3 then vacated his sea, and the business of the Court was proceeded with.