THE CHIEF JUSTICE AND MR. G. E. BARTON.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 151, 14 October 1876, Page 3

THE CHIEF JUSTICE AND MR. G. E. BARTON.

What has led to the "contempt of nirt" proceedings may be stated thus : I'Eutisday, the 3rd instant, the Chief stiuo took his seat on the Bench at 10 ii, sharp, and everything was ready to jcuod with the case of Regina t\. Te mi, set down for trial Uutt morning, leut Mr. Barton, prisoner's counsel., tlfonov waited fur Eve minutes, and

r. Burton making no appearance, Mr. 11 (tlfe frown Prosecutor) stated that thought Mr. Barton was eoltecfctng his iiiHSßes. Nearly rive minutts ruorv (isod before that gentleman put in an [uurance and bowed to the Judge. His nior tlvin said :—" Mr. Barton, yon to kept the Court waiting "early ten niitt-s without excuse." Mr. Barton lliod: "'if it ptease your Honor, I was 10 nt a quarter to* ten, aud went oat to I iiliotit the witnesses." lib Honor : luu were not here at the opening of the iii't." Mr. Barton: "I beg your liioc's pardon, 1 was." His Honor mi'tily).: " You were not." Mr. Barton !viuo*ty>xpMned that he was getting i Clerk to' see after witnesses. His nor said severely : " I have to say, . Barton, that 1 do not want this dission to continue. It is the duty of itmol to be here at the opening ot the nit Mr. Belt had excused you, but lan far as I can see, on any particular liui'ity front yourself." The discussion n andod,, but Mr. Barton was heard to MoWo -mien that if his Honor chose to

Itrel with him he could not help it. kafternoon, Mr, Barton addressee! the U-ing tetter to his Honor : —"Sir, to written to the proper authorities

» Government) complaining of your ktinenb t»' me thb morning, and ever |co I tirst appeared before yott in WelSgton. I aitt not aware of arty mtscon[timmypart to justify such hostility jours, i think it right to inform you 1 1 have asked the Uoverniuent for an for-'"