AN OBSTRUCTIVE JURYMAN.

Evening Star, Issue 2943, 25 July 1872, Page 4

AN OBSTRUCTIVE JURYMAN.

A rather remarkable and somewhat linker ions scene occurred at a recent recent inquest at Geelong between the Coroner, Dr ah aw, and the foreman of the jury. A report of the proceedings is given by the Eveuhi'j Times, from which it appears that a great many interruptions were occasioned through the foreman persisting in putting questions before the Coroner’s examination had finished. The Coroner was putting a question to the witness, but he was not allowed to finish it:—“ The foreman.—‘ Vos, did—’ The Coroner,—‘Will you cease talking, sir? Or I must commit you.’ The jury interposed, and restored their foreman to quiet.” Subsequently another witness gave an answer to a question which was not quite understood, when the following happened The Coroner.—‘Yes, but— ’ The foreman. —‘ Were you on the—’ The Coroner. — 1 0, dear, he is interrupting me again. Will you keep silence, sir?' The Foreman. —‘ No, sir, i will not. Iwdllask any questions L please.’ The Coroner,—‘l shall certainly be obliged to commit you, sir.’ The Foreman.—‘Do as you please; 1 will say what f have to say. A Jurymany (to witness). —‘Tell the Coroner the position you hold in the drain.’ The Foreman, —‘ Why, he was—’ The Coroner—- ‘ Oh, gentlemen, I cannot stand this. I must really adjourn, or you must choose another foreman.’ The Forman.—‘l am Foreman of this jury, and claim my right to speak.’ The Coroner— 1 Gentlemen, I appeal to you ; did you ever see such a fool ?’ The Foreman—‘ Well, 1 don’t know about a fool! You, I know, haven’t sense enough to understand the evidence.’ The Coroner—' I commit you, (sir, for 24 hours, for insolence. Policeman, take that man in charge. Let him remain till the inquiry is concluded, and then detain him 24 hours’.” At the conclusion of the inquiry the jurymen interceded for the foreman, who apologised to the coroner, and obtained a remission of his sentence.