THE FIGHTING JUDGE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10062, 7 June 1910, Page 4

THE FIGHTING JUDGE.

The reported action of an American judge, who,, the other day, left bis seat on the Bench to thrasii an impertinent litigant, recalls a somewhat similar precedent in New Zealand Court annals. Some years ago a Native Land Court, presided over by His Honour Judge Mair, was sitting in the Hot Lakes district. The Court officials also comprised the late Mr C. O. Davis, and Mr John Hall, who were the only pakehas within a very wida radiu?. Conflicting evidence had been given, and contending parties for the area under review became / somewhat heated. One of tbejpoliesmen vented open anger at an opponent's argument, which, in an insidious manner reflected upon certain ancestors,! and his Wi'ath travelled beyond those limits conceded by Court procedure. His Honour attempted to pour o : l on the troubled waters without avail, and as his admonitions proved futile, he quietly stepped from the Bench, seized the recalcitrant orator bundled him to the door, and, with an exclamation of boredom, threw him into the outer world. The subsequent proceedings were characterised by the utmost decorum.