NEARLY GOT HIS WISH

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 233, 28 June 1922, Page 4

NEARLY GOT HIS WISH

BUT NEXT TIME IT’S A CERTAINTY It is seldom that a defendant is permitted to dictate the amount of his fine but Ernest Hadley, who was before Mr. Hunt, S.M., yesterday, for <having allowed a cow to wander on the road, was within an acc of being accorded that privilege. Hadley s previous convictions for allowing stock to wander numbered something like 37. But the circumstances- in tins case were “different” he asserted, and when the Bench, having heard his story, decided that the fine would bo 405., with costs, Hadley was not satisfied. “Couldn’t you make it more? he asked the Maistrate. Mr. Hunt: Yes. 11l make it £o u you like. Fined £o! Hadlev was so sure that the case wat “different” that he presumed to argue still. ’ . “One minute,” said His n orship, interrupting. “I’ve listened to yop patiently up to now. Another word nnd I’ll put you under arrest. (As Hadley continued) : lake charge °* him. will you. sergeant, till the end of the sitting?” Defendant was a prisoner tiß the Court had concluded all its remaining business. When it 'had done so, the Magistrate asked him what he had to sav in explanation of his insolence. Hadley: I consider this is a very, rCrv moan case to take up against me. Mr. Hunt: I’m not talking about that, but about your being insolent to me. You apologise to me, and 111 let you go. . \ Hadlev: I do apologise, but—— Air Hunt: Very well, now that will do. Do you still ‘want mo to fine you £5 ? s Hadlev: I’d sooner it was 10s. Mr. Hunt: You’re fined 40s. . . 11l fine vou £5 next time, at any rate.