MAGISTRATE AND MAYOR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18837, 14 April 1923, Page 10

MAGISTRATE AND MAYOR

HEATED ARGUMENT IN COURT. DR THACKER REPRIMANDED. (Feb United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, April 13. During a heated argument a(j the Magistrate's Court this morning between the Mayor (Dr 11. T. J. Thacker) and Mr Wyveru Wilson, 8.M., the Mayor was wtlnied by tho magistrate that if ho persisted in making certain observations ho would find himself charged with contempt of court. Tho case had originally been sot down for hearing last Friday, but on account of the absence of the Mayor, who had laid tho information, it was dismissed without prejudice, tho defendant being allowed costs. 'lhis morning the case was brought on again, and as it was being defended tho Mayor had to sit patiently in the court from, about 10 o’clock until 10 minutes past 12 o’clock before being called on to give evidence. Dr Tliackor, at tho conclusion of his evidence, said ho wished to protest against having to oome to court at 10 o’clock and then bo kept waiting for two hours before giving his evidence. He said tiie same thing had happened to him on practically every occasion ho had come to court. The Magistrate explained tho procedure of the court, and said until there were more magistrates there would bo much more waiting. “The whole justice of the courts seems to defend people who break the by-laws,’’ remarked the Mayor after again stating that he did not think it right for a busy man to be kept waiting so long in tho court. “I can't allow you to say that,” interjected the magistrate sharply. “Well, that is my opinion,” replied tho Mayor. “ vVell, you must keep it to yourself, and not express it here,” heatedly remonstrated tho magistrate. “If you are not careful you will find yourself called upon to show cause why you should not bo committed for contempt of court.” “I did not mention the court,” explained tho Mayor with vigour. Tho Magistrate: You did. The Mayor: I am sure I did not. Tho Magistratej I am afraid. Doctor, you have been lotting your tongue run away with you. 1 The Mayor: I said “proceedings," 1 did not mention court. The Magistrate: ' Oh, no, you didn’t. You said “court.” It shows the danger you are likely to get into in not knowing what yon are saying Yon should bo more careful in tho choioo of your words than you are.

“I Vish”—the Mayer began, when the magistrate cut him short. “You may go,” thundered the magistrate. Dr Thacker made a further attempt to make an explanation, but the magistrate repeated his ultimatum, and Dr Thacker subsided. The Mayor remained watching the rest of the proceedings in the case, and then made his exit quietly.