Tempting the Bench.

Otago Witness, Issue 2274, 30 September 1897, Page 52

Tempting the Bench.

"Even in this enlightened age litigants are to be met with who do not believe in the impartiality of justice," remarked a county coutfa usher to the writer. " They think they have only to obtain the good opinion of the judge in order to win (heir case.

"The method usually resorted to for the gaining of this desired end is flattery, «ometimes of an obsequious character, bub often flagrantly conspicuous. I remember hearing one old Irishwoman fcsll the judge that he was a • rale handsome boy, who couldn't be too hard on a lone woman.' -Being nearly 50 and noticeably plain-featured, I fear the recipient of the compliment did not quite appreciate it.

"Another old man, the father of the plaintiff, whispered audibly to the latter as he went into the box, 'Be sure and bow, and call the judge " my lord " when he speaks to you — he'll like that.'

" Some litigants endeavour to excite ajmpalfiy in the judicial bcenst by fafgaiag, Jlmess,. But humbug of this sorb never dues fiiiem. any service.

" But. the deliberate sfcfceniafcs at- "squaring' are the most singular. Nbfc. so. very long ago tna judge of my owa court, received! »: present of two brace of pheaean&n from a landed 1 proprietor who <im expecting to be sued' bj a former employed) and on another- occftaToni dhe same man sent him two «talla for a, theatre;

" Aa instance also occurred recently when, a country-bred dame, summoned for not; paying her rent, brought a dozen new-laid eggs and asked me to give them privately to 'hia honour.' The poor old lady was quito downcast when I pointed out the uselossness of her request, for she had evidently relied greatly ou her little present."