A SCENE IN COURT.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLIII, Issue XLIII, 10 February 1909, Page 4

A SCENE IN COURT.

A BARRISTER FINED. rrjjiiTED Press Association.] AUCKLAND, Tuesday. A stormy scene in the Police Court this afternoon culminated in Mr W. K. Hackett, a younger member of tlie Bar, being fined by Mr Dyer, S.M., £5 for contempt of court. Mr Hackett, was appearing for the respondent in an application for judicial separation. The evidence had been taken, and the Magistrate was reviewing the case when counsel rose to make soma remarks. He was told to sit clown, ami on rising again was informed that in summary cases counsel only had the right to mako an ojening address. Mr Hackett said : I have a statement to make. The Magistrate: It doesn't mailer. I havo told you to sit down. Mr Hackett : 1 only want The Magistrate (warmly) : Pit down. Mr Dyer continued to refer to the ' evidence when Mr Hackett again rose, and was once more told to fit down. Mr Hackett did so, but presently was ; on his feet again, when Mr Dyer told j the Court attendant to take him into I custody. When the case had concluded Mr Hackett was brought before the Court to show cause, and after a smart passage of arms, tho Magistrate imposed a lino of £6 for contempt of Court, adding that it* it wi.-re not paid within a week Mr Hackett would have to go to gaol for seven day--. Mr Hackett: I may say. with all due respect, that I shall never pay that fi ne.