BREEZE IN COURT.

Otago Witness, Issue 3768, 1 June 1926, Page 18

BREEZE IN COURT.

COUNSEL SILENCED. Counsel have a profound respect for magistrates, and it is seldom in a court of law that the Bench has to call for the withdrawal of remarks from any quarter. In a case at the City Police Court on Wednesday, however, Mr YV. G. Hay entered into an argument with Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M., which ended in the former being ordered to sit down after receiving a verbal castigation. In the course of a witness’s evidence the words “to the best of my belief” were introduced. Mr Hay said he objected to evidence as to belief, and was over-ruled by the Magistrate. Mr Hay : Thank you, sir, for over ruling The Magistrate: I have never heard of counsel thanking a magistrate for overruling him. I consider your attitude childish and most improper, Mr Hay, and I call upon you to withdraw that remark. Mr Hay: But I don’t mean to l>e offensive, your Worship. I mean to say, sir The Magistrate: I call upon you to withdraw unconditionally. Mr Hay: Certainly I will withdraw, sir. but The Magistrate: Flease sit down, MiHay. I will not hear you any further. Further speech by Mr Hay was cut short by another sharp command to “sit down," and Mr Hay obeyed without further argument.