SOLICITOR IN TROUBLE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 137, 12 June 1922, Page 4

SOLICITOR IN TROUBLE.

CASE Or H. E. ELIIOTT. LAW SOCIETY INTERVENES. The case of Henry E. Elliott, solicitor, of Opotiki, whose (tlatoriness in having his accounts audited has cost him £100 hi fines, was mentioned at the Supreme Court this morning. Recently in the Magistrate's Court Elliott was fined £100 at the instance of the SolicitorGeneral, for fa.lure to audit his accounts at the end of the financial year, and this morning the Auckland Law Society (Mr. Blonifield), in exercise of its supervisory jurisdiction, called upon him to show cause why he should not be struck off the roll for the breach, the society having taken out a rule nisi a fortnight ago. It appeared from the facts stated to his Honor, Mr. Justice Stringer, that the solicitor had neglected to have his accounts audited twice in the last three years. On the first occasion he was fined £50, and for his offence in the last financial year the sum was doubled. Elliott had had his accounts audited when the Law Society had intervened, and in each instance a satisfactory certificate was filed.

Mr. Prendergast. for the delinquent, pointed out that the latter had been pretty severely punished already, and suggested that he be given another chance. His Honor retorted that it was very annoying for the Law Society to have to watch any of its members and bring them before the Court like this. He asked would the Society be satisfied if he ordered tbe delinquent to pay the costs.

Mr. Blomfield agreed that the Society was naturally annoyed especially as this was the second lapse. It appeared that the audits could he obtained only under pressure.

His Honor commented that he felt disposed to let the matter stand over for a month and give Elliott a chance to settle the costs, £15 15/. On Mr. Blorafickl concurring he decided to take this course. At the same time Judse stringer remarked that a recurrence of the lapse might see the offender struck off the roll.