SCENE IN A COURT.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12461, 10 February 1909, Page 3

SCENE IN A COURT.

A MEMBER OF; TEffi'BAß-FINED.' ' [Unite-o -PBEssyyASsobi^TioN.].•;• "Auckland, Feb 9. A stormy scene in the- Pohce Court this* afternoon: culminated in Mr W. E. Hackett, a younger member of the Bar, heing fined by Mt Dyer, S.M'.> £5 for centeinpt of court. : Mr Hack-ett-was appearing "for the respondent in an application f or' -judicial:- separa--fcion.---rTho-evidence had-boon-iakon, and^ the Magistrate was reviewing the case,-when counsel rose to make some remarks. He was told to sit down, .and on rising again was informed that in; summary cases counsel only had the right to an opening address. Mr Hack.ett. said: I have a statement^tp ma_e. The Magistrate i-It. doesn't matter. I have told you, to sit down. Mr Hackett 71 only want The Magistrate (warmly"- *•. Sit down. :. Mr Dyer continued to re^er to the evidence when Mr Hackett again rose, and was once more "told to sit down. Mr; Hackett <did so but presently was on his feet again, when MrDyer told the Court attendant to take Mm into custody. When "the case had concluded Mr Hackett was brought before the Court to show cause, and after a smart passage of arms, the Magistrate imposed a fine of £5 for contempt of Court, aiding that if it were not paid witliin a week Mr Hackett would have to gu to gaol.for seven days. 7 '- Mr,Hackett: I may say, with all due respect, that I shall never pay that fine, y