A MAGISTRATE REBUKED.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LIX, Issue 6868, 5 March 1883, Page 5

A MAGISTRATE REBUKED.

[Pbb Psbsb Association.] DUNEDIN, Maeoh 4. Mir I. N. Watt, 8.M., cut a queer figure as prosecutor in a case in the Police-court yesterday. Ho sued a carter for obstructing his progress along the footpath by standing his cart across it, and gave evidence that he was passing along the footpath with his umbrella up to keep off the sleet, when it was suddenly tilted up, and he found his eye in collision with some wood projecting over the side of &• cart. Tho cart was standing across the footpath. Three witnesses for the defence, however, swore that neither horse sor cart wore on the footpath, that the horse’p forefeet were over a yard inside the path, though the timber projected slightly, liebutting evidence was given by Mr Watt as to the hone being over, the crossing. He stated emphatically that the first and third witnesses for the defence had deliberately perjured themselves. Ho characterised the defence as a barefaced case of lying. Two Justices were on the Beach, and they decided against Mr Watt, saying it was evident bo was excited at the time, and might have moved slightly into the timber yard. Id dismissing the case they also wished reluctantly to remark that they thought Mr Watt’s remarks as to the evidence for the demg fence were not justified, and that though hF was a Resident Magistrate he should not take upon himself to remark upon witnesses in the manner he had. That was for the Bench to do if necessary.