TO STRIKE OFF.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 243, 14 October 1935, Page 9

TO STRIKE OFF.

COURT APPLICATION. TAUMARUNUI SOLICITOR. GROSS NEGLIGENCE ALLEGED. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. In the Court of Appeal to-day application was made by the New Zealand Law Society for the exercise of the disciplinary powers of the Court over Arthur Everard Seaton, a barrister and solicitor, of Taumarunui. Mr. H. F. Thompson, who appeared for the Law Society, said an investigation had been commenced by the Hamilton Law Society after numerous complaints had been received. The charges made against the practitioner were that he failed to have his trust account audited for the year ended March 31, 103/5; that he failed to supply the auditor with a certified list of ledger balances; and that generally he was unfitted to practice. Mr. Thompson asked that the practitioner be struck off the rolls.

j In reply to the Chief Justice, Mr. Thompson said that though the practitioner had been guilty of sins of omission, there was 110 evidence of any dishonesty, but only a suspicion concerning £7 in which his account was in debit. There was 110 doubt, however, that there had been gross negligence. Mr. von Haast, who appeared for Seaton, said his client liad for some time suffered from bad health, and as a result had become lethargic and apathetic. He admitted that there had been grave negligence, but suggested that in view of the absence of dishonesty the Court might be content merely to fe prima lid Seaton and order him to pay costs. Jhe Court will give its decision tomorrow.