A "BREEZE" IN COURT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 210, 26 August 1908, Page 4

A "BREEZE" IN COURT.

'•I DO WANT JUSTICE." COUNSEL KAILS AT THE MAGISTRATE.

The placidity which usually prevails during the proceedings in the New Plymouth Magistrate's Court was rudely ruffled yesterday afternoon. A tangled case had been languishing through the mazes of witnesses' versions of an, accident and their opinions as to which of two persons was guilty of contributory negligence. Mr. We»Um, appearing for the plaintiff, contended that he had the right to obtain judgment for full damages from -both parties, but the Magistrate, Mr. 11. S. ViUhcrbert, could not see. how two men should have each to pay the full amount of the victim's nursing and medical expenses. The interchange of argument was lengthy, and Bench and Bar came to grips. Finally, Mr. Weston became, warm on the point, ami in a burst of disgust he turned from the Bench and threw his papers on to the counsel table, exclaiming as '•■n did so. "Oh, I can't teach people." The' Magistrate retorted: No, 'Mr. Weslon. it's apparent that you can't! Mr. Weston: And I don't pretend to, but 1 do expect justice. The S.M., decidedly: And you've always had it, Mr. Weston. You've, always been treated with the greatest leniency on account of your age. Mr. Weston protested vigorously: Oh, don't refer to my age. I might refer io your failings, too. I don't want leniency, but I do expect to be treated fairly!" The Bench: You've always been treated fairly. You are the first member of the profession to make any remark ,f this nature here. Mr. Weston: You didn't treat me very fairly at Waitara the other day. anyhow. The Bench: I have no recollection of having treated you otherwise than fairly. I may have, stopped you as T. could have done several times to-day, in crossexamining your witnesses, but f repeat thai you have always been treated with the greatest respect. Mr. Weston: Oh, I'm not going to argue the point with you. The S.M., with some determination: No, vou'd better not—not while I'm on the Bench. Then the Court went on in the ordinary way.