THE FIVE ITALIANS’ CASES.

Evening Star, Issue 11251, 26 May 1900, Page 4

THE FIVE ITALIANS’ CASES.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I regret that Air Pryde, J.P., in his capacity as a justice, found it necessary to “ waste his sweetness on the desert air ” of the Police Court on Queen’s Birthday morning, and to allege that I had "not arranged my affairs for Thursday last so as to bo in a position to do my duty.” In reply to the J.P.’a "severe comments,” please let me state : First, I was not (os erroneously stated in Thursday night’s ‘ Star’) engaged for the defence of the five Italians charged with desertion from their ship, but I was engaged for their prosecution. The five sailors were nob my clients. Second (as corroborated by the verbal statement of His Worship Mr 0. O. Graham in open court yesterday morning), on Wednesday 1 I waited on the clerk of the ourt aid interviewed him in the presence of the magistrate named, when I was informed that Thursday being a holiday tho usual practice of remanding the cases till next day would be followed, therefore it would not he necessary for me bo attend court till Friday morning, I availed myself of my liberty by enjoying my holiday and absenting myself from the court till Friday. Perhaps Mr Pryde’s call to the Bench on Friday interfered with his holiday arrangements, temporarily souring his temper. I forgive him, but regret that he did not get his usual holiday.—l am, eto., John Wilkinson. May 20.