CHARGE OF BIAS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 26 June 1926, Page 2

CHARGE OF BIAS.

MAGISTRATE ASKED TO STAND DOWN. By Telegraph—Press Association AUCKLAND, June 25. There was a sensation in the Polico Court when Mr Singer, appearing for a woman charged with assaulting John Henry Hannan, asked Mr J. W. Poynton, S.M., to vacate the bench and let one of the other three Magistrates take the ease. “In consequence of some remark passed by your Worship,” said counsel, “it seems you have some leaning, I will not say to what side.” Mr Boynton, interrupted that he had no leaning toward anyone. Mr Singer said lie had a feeling that Mr Poynton might be what might be called biassed. Mr Poynton: If I am biassed beforo a case is heard I am unfit to bo a magistrate. He added that, be was a friend of Hannan’s and admired him in many ways, ‘■but J have given judgment against him and would do so again if necessary.'' After prolonged argument the case was taken bv Mr Poynton. The Magistrate, after hearing evidence, convicted Margaret Denycr of assaulting Hannan, and at the request of Mr Singer made the fine £5 Is, to allow of an appeal.