SERVICE ON JURY

Taranaki Daily News, 10 February 1934, Page 9

SERVICE ON JURY

exemption sought. SEVERAL APPLICATIONS FAIL. Palmerston N., Feb. 6. “It is remarkable how the world can get on without essential people—l really believe it could get along without me, declared Mr. Justice Blajr,. amid laughter, in the Supreme Court to-day. when several jurors were making application for exemption from service on account of pressure of duties. „ .Exemption was sought by Mr. W. L. Fitzherbert on behalf of, an employee of a bacon company, which he stated was at the height of the busy season, and already had one man absent owing to disability, “I do not like the idea of these applications being made by a company with a number of other employees,” commented his-Honour. “If - they cannot do without them temporarily, then it is time they had a little practice.” . The application was refused, but another employee, the chief packer for the company, was granted exemption. Another application was made by Mr. Fitzherbert for exemptio- for the chief buyer of a m?at export company. “What if anyone becomes ill?” enquired his Honour. “I suppo-- the business will have to close down.” (Laughter). Mr. Fitzherbert said the employee’s absence would disorganise the business. The application, was refused. Another buyer was the next ■ to seek exemption "from jury service. ■ His Honour: What : would- happen if you became ill? “The only thing to do is to keep right at this time of the year,” replied the applicant, , amid laughter? His Honour granted exemption from civil cases, but not criminal- cases, as he said the jury panel was short. “You are a one 7 man company," observed his Honour, in. granting a further application for exemption.