JUDGE v. COUNSEL

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 June 1930, Page 5

JUDGE v. COUNSEL

“RULING MUST BE OBEYED.” The admissibility or otherwise of a ' certain statement led to a slight ' breeze between Mr Justice Adams and Mr P. J. O’Regan (counsel for plaintiff) during the sitting of the Supreme ' Court at Greymouth yesterday after- : noon. !

Mr O’Regan said that Mr C. S. Thomas (counsel for defendant) had cast doubts upon the credibility of one witness for plaintiff, and had insinuated that he was guilty of perjury. The written statement made by the witness on a previous occasion should be admitted in support of the witness.

His Honor ruled that the statement was not admissible. After His Honor and Mr O’Regan had debated the point for some moments, Mr Thomas called attention to the fact that his “learned friend” was succeeding in placing his views before the jury. His Honor: It is rather difficult to stop Mr O’Regan -when he makes up his mind to make speeches! Mr O’Regan: I wish to protest. I am not in the habit of making irrelevant speeches. His Honor said he cared not whether counsel protested. The ruling of the Court must be obeyed. Did Mr O’Regan propose to obe.v that ruling? Mr O’Regan: Your Honor has always found me most circumspect in obeying the ruling of the Court. His Honor: Very well. Let it go at that.