A SOLICITOR’S LAPSE.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 19 March 1925, Page 3

A SOLICITOR’S LAPSE.

AND A NEW'tSTADEH’S SLIP. Al'er Press Association.) WELLINGTON, March U). In flic Appeal C 'urt application was made by the Auckland Law society to strike off. or temporarily suspend Frederick John Mouat, solicitor. His offence had its origin in the , ase of the man Keogh, charged with iln* murder of Ids child, A New Zealand Truth reporter made a slip m his report of the case by slating that accused had been in the hands of the police before. Mouat drew attention to the slip, which was erroneously repeated and demanded reparation to tlio extent of £IOO, threatening to attack the publislier for contempt, ol Court if the amount was not paid. The Jiaper published an apology and a ISO' undertook, without preju,lice, to see whether its Sydney principals would make an ex gratia payment to Mrs Keogh and family. At the same time it denied Keogh, whose defence was insanity, was prejudiced by the report, and warned the solicitor that it was improper to attempt to compound for a criminal offence. Mouat admitted in correspondence that it was improper to compound for contempt of court, but threatened to servo proceedings if the amount demanded was not paid as ho required the money for the costs ol the 11 Ail the correspondence was then handed over to the Law Society. Mouat Med affidavits denying that his conduct was improper and also affidavits as to his good character. Mr von llaast appeared for the Law Society, and Mr E. J. Prendergast for hearing counsel file Court said Mouat’s letter was improper and if he had considered the facts well beforehand he would not have written it Under the circumstances, however it would be sufficient to order him to pay the costs only of the present proceedings.