A CONSUL'S PRIVILEGES

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLI, Issue XLI, 10 September 1921, Page 11

A CONSUL'S PRIVILEGES

• y INTERESTING INCIDENT AT AUCKLAND. (BY TELXQ&APH —PKESS ASSOCIATION,) ._. AUCKLAND, Sept. 9. ■ A peculiar-position arose' in a case •that came before Mr. McKean, S.M., ,at the Magistrate's Court. .It was » dispute arising out of delay in the delivery of goods ordered from the 'United States. Mr. E. Inder said he had intended to call the United States Consul to state the position of affairs in "America during the period the delay in delivery •occurred. The Consul was willing to come to Court and make a statement; 'but had intimated that as an ambassador of the United States he was precluded" from giving evidence on oath. "The question was whether the Court was prepared to make such a statement, and, if so, whether counsel on the other •ide was willing for it to be accepted when nqt given on oath. Mr. Gould said he must have, the right of cross-examination if a statement was made. * "Mr. Inder said that if the Consul • could not be sworn he might object -to fee cross-examined. Mr. McKeaii said he would hesitate -to accept tho Consul's statement If "he to,submit to cross-examination. Mr. Inder then elected to proceed with- the case without asking the Consul tto attend.