A SCENE IN COURT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXX, Issue 14915, 10 February 1909, Page 7

A SCENE IN COURT.

COUNSEL FINED FOR CONTEMPT. [Per Press .Association.] AUCKLAND, February 9. A stormy scene in tho Police Court this afternoon culminated in Mr W. E. Hackett, a younger member of the Bar, being fined by Mr Dyer, S.M., £5 lor contempt of Court. Mr Hackett was appearing for tho respondent in an application for judicial separation. The evidence lmd been _ taken and tho Magistrate was reviewing the case, when counsel rose to make some remarks. Ho was told to sit down, and, on rising again, was informed that in summary cases counsel had a right to an opening address only. Mr Hackett said: I have a statement to make. Tho Magistrate: It doesn’t matter. I have told you to sit down. Mr Hackett: I only want Tho Magistrate (warmly): Sit down. Mr Dyer continued to refer to tho evidence, when Mr Hackett again rose and was once more told to sit down. Mr Hackett did so, but presently was on his foot again, when Mr Dyer told the Court attendant to t-ako him into custody. When tho case had concluded Mr Hackett was brought before tho Court to show cause. After a smart paseage-of-arms tho Magistrate imposed a fine of £5 for contempt of Court, adding that if it were not paid within a week Mr Hackett would have to go fo gaol for seven days. Mr Hackett: I may say with all due respect that I shall never pay that fine.