JUDGE IN A QUANDARY.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXV, Issue LXV, 24 December 1913, Page 3

JUDGE IN A QUANDARY.

Some embarrassment was caused to the presiding Judge in the County Court, Melbourne, recently, by the ap•pearance of a lady barrister before him as counsel for plaintiff in an action for damages in connection with injuries alleged to have been received in a collision between a tram car and a dray. The lady was wearing a simple white dress and a "picture" hat. After announcing that she appeared on behalf of the plaintiff,, she asked his /Honor :i£ he would permit her to dis-^ pense -with the usual robes of Court. Judge Box, evidently in a quandary, intimated in customary form that he "could, not see" counsel. The lady replied that she was Miss Brennan. "I scarcely know what to do," said his Honor, -vvith a smile, adding, "As a matter of practice it is usual, of course, for professional persons in this Court to robe. This situation is new to me altogether." Miss Brennan intimated that she was entirely at his Honor's mercy. Judge Box remarked that he didn't know how ladies were going to-manage the business. "However," he continued, "it is evident that ladies are going to practise' in this Court, and until tho present p'-ranffe-ments are 'altered I hone the-y - T tr>]-« the trouble to get robes. " ' "" - you address me I hone you will wear ■the academic dress." Miss Bretaian replied that she would do so! She stated her «ase with businesslike brevity, hut on a difficulty arising regarding the provision of certain particulars to the defence, for whom Mr Tucker appeared, the case adjourned until the following week.