A SCENE IN COURT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVII, Issue 11210, 6 March 1897, Page 5

A SCENE IN COURT.

A PERTINACIOUS PLAINTIFF. TALKING DOWN A JUDGE. [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, Maech 5. An unusual scene occurred in the Supreme Court this morning. James Carson, a printer, bought a claim against the Government held by one Bowker, sued the Colonial Secretary, and obtained judgment by default for .£940. It was afterwards set aside on the ground that the wrong person sued. Carson nowbrought a suit against the Registrar, to compel him to enforce the judgment, on the ground that the order setting it aside was not before the Court. The Chief Justice said that the proceedings were properly before the Court, whereupon Carson, who appeared in person, loudly insisted that this was quite wrong, and lectured the judge as to the proper method of procedure. A wordy warfare followed, which culminated in the plaintiff asking his Honor whether he was acting as solicitor for the defendant. The judge threatened to commit him for contempt, and repeated the threat later on. His Honor finally dismissed the case, with fifteen guineas costs, and then proceeded to comment on the conduct of the plaintiff, and the waste of time and money involved; but Carson said v that the judge, after closing the case, had no right to make such remarks, as plaintiffs could not reply, and fairly talked his Honor down.