“BE MORE CAREFUL”

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 177, 14 April 1923, Page 6

“BE MORE CAREFUL”

DR. THACKER REPROVED SHARP BRUSH WITH A MAGISTRATE THREAT OF COMMITTAL FOR CONTEMPT by telegraph.—-press association. Christchurch, April 13. During' a heated argument in the Magistrate’s Court this morning between the Mayor (Dr. H. T. J. Thacker), and Mr. Wyvern Wilson, S.M., tho Mayor was warned by the Magistrate that if he persisted In making certain observations he would find himself charged with contempt of Court. The case had 'Originally been set down for hearing last Friday, but on account of the absence of the Mayor, who laid the information, it was dismissed without prejudice, defendant being allowed costs. This morning the case was brought on again, and as it was being defended the Mayor had to sit patiently in Court from about 10 o’clock until ten minutes past 12 o'clock before being called on to give his evidence. Dr. Thacker, on concluding his evidence, said that he wished to protest against having to come to Court .at 10 o’clock and then be kept waiting two hours before giving his evidence. He said that the same thing had happened to him on practically every occasion he had coma to tho Court. The Magistrate explained the procedure of the Court, and said that until there were more Magistrates there would be much more waiting. “The whole practice of the Court’s ueems to defend people who break the by-laws,” remarked the Mayor, after again stating that he did not think it right for a busy man to be kept waiting so long in Court. “I can’t allow .you to say that,” interjected the Magistrate sharply. “Well, that is my opinion,” replied the Mayor. “You must keep it to yourself, and not express it here.” heatedly remonstrated the Magistrate. “If you are not careful you will find yourself called upon to show cause why you should not be committed for contempt of Court.” “I did not mention the Court,’ explained tho Mayor with vigour. The Magistrate: You did. The Mayor: I’m sure I did not. The Magistrate: I’m afraid, Doctor, vou have been letting your tongue run a3vay with you. The Mayor: I said “proceedings. I did not mention tho Court. The Magistrate: Oh. no, you didn t. You said Court. It .shows the danger you are likely to get into m not knowing what yon are saying. You should be more careful in the choice of your words than you are. “I wish,” the Mayor began, when the Magistrate cut him short. “You may go,” thundered the Magistrate. Dr. Thacker made a further attempt to make an explanation, but the Magistrate repeated his ultimatum, and Dr. Thacker subsided. For a few minutes the Mayor remained watching the rest of the proceedings in ths case, and then made his exit quietly.