JUDGE AND COUNSEL.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XLIV, Issue 14704, 3 June 1920, Page 3

JUDGE AND COUNSEL.

(Otago Dailv Times Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, .Tune 2. In the Divorce Court here to-day there was a lively interchange of com-. ment between the Judge (Sir Bassett Edwards) and Mr A. W. Jackson, ,who appeared for the petitioner. After some. . argument between the Judge and ooun- : sel as to whether there was evidence" of desertion, the Judge having said ; there was none, Mr Jackson asked if V he could call further evidence. His . Honor replied that thete must be an end to the argument, and the end had come. When Mr Jackson recalled peti- ci tioner and reminded him that he was on his former oath, the Judge remarked, "What nonsense you talk." Mr Jack§on: I don't like to be- told that it's nonsense. His Honor: It is nonsense to tell him that he is on His former oath. Mr Jackson: I respectfully submit that it is not nonsense. His, Honor: I will not permit you to wrangle-with me on every word I say; Witness said, in answer to Mr Jackson, that the whole of his married life had been a. period of perpetual misery. His Honor ruled that the evidence in. * regard to acts of difference between the parties was inadmissible." The foreman said there were some ' members of the jury who wanted to . consider the point. * His Honor: You have no right to de- .?>; part from the direction I have given. . . The foreman agreed with this, but insisted that the. jury might like to udd n ; rider. His Honor: T cannot n,ccept any com- >, ment On my action from the jury. ! Mr Jackiton : Your Honor— ; His Honor : Sit down Mr Jackson. ! Mr Jackson: But your Honor— His Honor: Sit down, sir. I shall commit you for contempt of court if you intervene again. , The jury returned a verdict in accord- ? ancc with the Judge's direction, but expressed regret that it was debarred from ' commenting on the case. Leave to appeal for a new trial was grrinted. ,