JUDGE AND COUNSEL.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 November 1920, Page 6

JUDGE AND COUNSEL.

SUPREME COURT INTERLUDE. An exchange between Judge and counsel took place in the Auckland Supreme Court the other day. Sir. Osbourne I.iV.cy, who was defending a mail accused of an offence at Newmarket, was cross-examining a witness when the Chief .lustice. Sir Robert Stout, put a question to the witness. His Honor insisted 011 the witness stating the exact time lie had left tlie accused 011 the day of the alleged otl'ence. Counsel said lie was leading up to Unit'question. Bis Honor: You were not; you were slurring' it.

Counsel: I do not mintl the witness answering— His Honor: T( is of no moment whether you do or not. Counsel (sitting down): T have nothing more to say in regard to the ease. His Honor: Do as yon like. The Bench is not going to be ruled by you. Counsel: T have lluHionor to belong to a profession us old and as honorable as the brotherhood to which Your Honor belongs. 1 have a duty tq perform to 111 y client. His Honor: Yon have a duty to the Court, and courtesy is due to the Court. Counsel: I admit that, but in fairness to my client—His Honor: There was nothing unfair in asking the witness the time he left I lie aefcused. Counsel: Jf there is any question T wish to ask surely you will leave the examination of the witness to me. His Honor: No. 1 have the right to ask, Counsel: I must submit to Your Honor's ruling.

The exami nation of the witness was then continued without further incident.