A DUEL OF WORDS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIII, Issue 115, 14 May 1912, Page 8

A DUEL OF WORDS.

v-STIPEEME COURT PROCEEDINGS { TERM-NATE ABRUPTLY. -kn tmjooked for development was tbe cause of proceedings at the Supreme Court being terminated in a somewhat undignified manner yesterday afternoon. During the be—ring of the case in which the Customs Department claimed from the Waihi Gold Mining Co. a certain sum as duty on machinery imported by the company, Mr. Justice Edwards took exception to the manner in which Mr. T. Cotter, K.C. (who had with him Mr. !Ennks) -was conducting the case for the company. The question Mr. Cotter was asking, said his Honor, was quite irrelevant and a waste of time. Mr. Cotter said he would bow to his* Honors ruling 01 the maiter. *" May I explain why I am putting the question to the witness?" he asked. His Honor replied that no explanation was necessary. Mr. Cotter protested against his Honor refusing to take notes of the questions he was putting, and the answers received. His Honor: Mr. Cotter, I refuse to be dictated- to by you or anyone else. If you are not satisfied with my notes, get someone else to take them." Mr. Cotter: Your Honor, may I explain His Honor: Get on, Mr. Cotter, get on. Mr. Cotter: But. your Worship His Honor: Will you get on with your questions, Mr. Cotter, and not make addresses to the judge? Mr. Cotter: Your Honor: His Honor (warmly): Get on. Mr. Cotter: get on! Mr. Cotter gathered up his books and papers. " I really must ask your Honor to accord mc common courtesy." he remarked. " I will leave the case to Mr. Tunks." Mr. Cotter then left the legal benches. " Mr. Tunks stated his position was a most undesirable one. He was not prepared to go on with the ease. His Honor: The case stands adjourned until ten o'clock to-morrow morning. 1 hope counsel will realise that questions are questions and not addresses, and save a great waste of time.