UNPUNCTUAL SOLICITORS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7347, 27 January 1911, Page 4

UNPUNCTUAL SOLICITORS

i MAGISTERIAL COMMENT. Failure on the part of some solicitors I to attend court in time was responsible for some rather strong comment on the part of l)r. A. W. McArthur, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday mornlug. Tne calling over of the civil cases occupied less time than usual, and when the first of the defended cases was called Mr Meredith was the only solicitor in the court. Mr Luke, .who appeared for one of the parties in the first case, and who was at the telephone when the case was called, asked that it be fixed for 2.15 p.m., as on© of the witnesses—an important one—could not attend earlier. “ No. I can't and 1 won't," said his Worship. “ The case has been appointed for 10.30, and the court is ready ta go on." “The witnesses ought to be- here," continued the magistrate. “ They should be in attendance when required." The solicitor who was stated to be engaged on the other side was not present. The next case was called, and another solicitor was found to be absent. Mr Meredith stated that he was on his way down and would be in court in the course of a few moments. An adjournment for five minutes was granted. “I am not going to wait any longer," said his SVorship* when the court resumed. “There are three defended cases and not a solicitor here except Mr Meredith. The same thing happened last week, and if it happens again I will simply adjourn the case, and the party that does not appear will have to pay the costs."