WARNING BY JUDGE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21982, 17 June 1933, Page 12

WARNING BY JUDGE

SOTTO VOCE REMARKS BY COUNSEL OVERHEARD BY THE PLAINTIFF. (Per United Press Association.! WELLINGTON, June 16. During the hearing on Thursday afternoon of the claim for alleged slander by Reginald Charles Boddie against James Dickson Sievwright, the plaintiff, Boddie, complained that he had been under great mental strain during the hearing. He alleged that A{r A. B. Sievwright, who, with Mr O’Leary, is appearing for the defendant, had been sitting behind him passing derogatory remarks about him under his breath.

Mr justice Ostler granted the plaintiff an adjournment, advising him to pull himself together by the next day. When the court resumed to-day his Honor said: “With regard to. the incident that occurred yesterday it is hardly necessary for me to point out that for a barrister during the hearing of a case in court to use opprobrious terms to either the opposing counsel or opposite party is au abuse of his privilege, a grave misdemeanour, and contempt of court, which the court has both the power and the will to punish. Mr Sievwright saw me after the court adjourned last night in company with Mr Evans-Scott, and explained that he had not addressed his remarks to the plaintiff, but to his leader. 1 must accept the explanation, but it- is to be hoped that such an incident will not occur again. Counsel should be able to confer so that if they are using abusive or derogatory terms of opposing counsel or party their conversation cannot be overheard.” The plaintiff continued his evidence.