" SIT DOWN, SIR !"

Feilding Star, Volume III, Issue 800, 10 February 1909, Page 4

" SIT DOWN, SIR ! "

A LAWYER FINED FOR CONTEMPT OF COURT. "1 SHALL NEVER PAY THAT FINE." [per press association.] Auckland, February 9. A .strong scene in the Police Court this afternoon culminated in Mr W. K. Hackett, a younger member of the liar, being fined by Mr Dyer, S.M., •£o for contempt of Court. Mr Hackett was appearing for the respondent for a judicial separation. The evidence had been taken and the Magistrate was reviewing the case, when counsel rose to make some remarks. He was' told to sit down, and on rising again was informed that in summary cases counsel only had the right to an opening address. Mr Hackett said: "I have a statement to make." The Magistrate: "It doesn't matter. T have told you to lit down." Mr Hackett: "I only want " The Magistrate (warmly): "Sit down." Mr Dyer continued to refer to the evidence, when Mr Hackett again rose, and was once more told to sit down. Mr Hackett did so, hut presently was on his feet again, when Mr Dyer told the Court attendant to take him into custody. When the case had concluded, Mr Hackett was brought before the Court to show cause. After a smart passage of arms the Magistrate imposed a fine of £5 for contempt of court, adding that if it were not paid within a week Mr Hackett would have to go to gaol for seven days. Mr Hackett: "I may say, with all due respect, that T shall never pay that fine."