COURT IN THE OPEN AIR,

Manawatu Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 167, 24 July 1907, Page 6

COURT IN THE OPEN AIR,

The evidence of Mrs Margaret Junor, of Moore street, Fitzroy, who was oalled as a witness in * case in the County Court at Bendigo the other day, was taken in the open air. Mr D. O'Halloran explained to Judge Chomloy that Mrs Junor had fallen down a flight of stairs since their arrival in Bendigo, and had seriously injured herself. She had been brought to the Court building in a cab, hut Mr O'Halloran suggested that, in order to save the witness the pain of- being carried upstairs to the Court room, her evidence might be taken in the Court yard. Judge Ohomley acquiesced, and the cab was driven into the yard, where the watchhouse is situated. Judge Chomley, accompanied by the barristers engaged in the case, and the Court officials, fc» descended to the Court yard. Tel scene was unique, says .the Argus. His Honour, with one 'foot on the step of the cab, waited while the witness was sworn. Then with a note hook on his knee, he took her evidence, counsels taking up positions of vantage at the rear of the eab. A strong wind was blowing, and the Judge and barristers had difficulty in preventing their wigs being blown into the adjacent watchhouse. Eventually the evidence was taken, and the witness, who was in an exhausted state, was driven away. The Court then reassembled in more cosy quarters.