POLITICAL REFORM LEAGUE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13498, 27 May 1907, Page 6

POLITICAL REFORM LEAGUE.

BRANCH FORMED AT HUNTLY. A .meeting of those favourable to the formation in Huntly of a branch e-f the Political Reform League took place in the Volunteer Hall on Friday night, Mr. E. S. Wight presiding. Mr. R. R. Martin, organiser of the league, explained its objects, and was decided to initiate a branch, the provisional committee elected being Messrs. J. Brooks, C.S. K. de Castro, J. Elliot, F. H. Exon, G. Greenwell, J. Partes, H. R. Porter, E. S. Wight and J. W. Wilson, Mr. de Castro being appointed secretary, pro tern. After fixing the membership subscription . it was resolved to ask Mr. W. F. Massey, M.H.R. (Leader of the Opposition) to address the electors on the evening of Monday, June 10, or on some other suitable date.

In a case at the Adelaide local Court Judge Russell was called as a witness, but before being sworn he objected on principle to giving evidence. In all his experience he had never known a judge to be called upon to give evidence as to what occurred in a case heard before him. He quoted authorities to show that a judge was, not compelled to give evidence in such circumstances. Mr. Gordon, the magistrate, said that all were judges of greater or less degree, but if Judge Russell refused to give evidence he would not compel him to do so. As Judge Russell had respectfully refused, he would be allowed to stand down. Judge Cohen, next called, raised the ,same objection, and he was not compelled to give evidence. .