WRITTEN ARGUMENT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22137, 15 December 1933, Page 14

WRITTEN ARGUMENT

COMMENT BY MR JUSTICE BLAIR JUDGES WORKING .AT HIGH PRESSURE. (Pee United Pbess Association.) WELLINGTON, December 14. The merits and demerits of the practice of counsel submitting argument in writing was _ commented on by his Honor, Mr Justice Biair, in the Supreme Court , today. It was suggested that counsel might address written argument to Mr Justice Ostler, who is at present in Christchurch, with a view to getting the case, already partly heard, finalised as soon as possible. Air Justice Blair said he did not know that 'Mr Justice Ostler would care to have written argument submitted to hjm. The difficulty about written argument was'that one could not ask questions with a view to cleaving up obscure points. At the present time, he (Mr Justice Blair) had two written arguments for consideration, and they were occupying a considerable amount of his time, as there were one or two matters he wished to have elucidated. “Written arguments," said his Honor, “ are very handy , if you have a man who talks too much. If he has to write his argument, it sometimes quietens , him down a bit." . The indication of the pressure under which judges are working owing to the non-appointment of one to take the place of .Mr Justice Adams was given by Mr Justice Blair. > Mr J. S. Hanna asked if it would be possible for Mr Justicd Ostler to conclude early in February the hearing of the part-heard matter. Mr Justice Blair replied: “If you could tell me a whole lot of things and give me an answer to all of them, if you could tell me when, the next Supreme Court judge is to be appointed, that would help 1119." Mr Justice Blair said that Mr Justice Ostler was very busy in Christchurch, and pro* bably would have to consider a , number of judgments during the vacation. When the court resumed in February one of the judges would have to go to Christchurch. There was a possibility, however, that Mr Justice. Ostler would be fin .Wellington, and he might be able to take the cage.' Referring to his diary, his Honor suggested that the matter might be set down for February 2. “ Meantime,” he added (smiling), “ I • notice that the motto for that day is that you can run into debt, but can only crawl out of it." : The matter was adjourned, »