JUDGE’S DIFFICULTY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 8 December 1924, Page 5

JUDGE’S DIFFICULTY.

UNABLE TO TRY ACTION. (BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION.* ' GISBORNE, Dec. 6. An unusual position occurred at the Supreme Court to-day, when Mr Justice Reed said he could not try a case on the civil'list; as he' was a shareholder in the defendant company, the Gisborne Sheepfarmers’. Frozen Meat and Mercantile, Company. • The action was brought by John W. Boniface against the company, claiming £IO7B for alleged personal injuries, and the case was to have been heard before a jury of twelve. When the case was called Mr Justice Reed said: ‘‘This case cannot go on this session for the reason, I am sorry 'to say, that I am unable to try it. When I was; in Gisborne some considerable time ago I purchased some debentures in the Gisborne Sheepfarmers’ Company, and in consequence I cannot possibly take the case. I have looked 'into authorities, and even if counsel were willing it would not be proper to go on with the case.” His Honor said he would take an early opportunity to dispose of his shares. The same firm was also involved in a motion for a charging order, and although it was a minor matter, the judge said it would not be right for him to deal with it, and it, too, would be adjourned till next session.