A SOLICITOR’S BILL.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18200, 26 February 1929, Page 2

A SOLICITOR’S BILL.

ACTION IN SUPREME COURT. By Tel» iruph—Prea* Association. AUCKLAND, February 25. The sum ot £2OO, paid by Alexander Henry Martin, to Richard A. Singer, barrister and solicitor, as a deposit upon a total fee of £315, for preliminary legal advice and Court work connected with a criminal charge against Martin, formed the basis of an action In the Supreme Court, before Mr Justice Kennedy. The action was brought under the “Law Practitioners’ Act,” which provides that solicitors’ bills may be referred for taxation, to the Registrar of the Supreme Court, wlio is empowered to go through the items and state what, in his opinion, is a fair charge. Mr Singer carried out the preliminary work on behalf of Martin in the Magistrate’s Court, but prior to the trial in the Supreme Court, Martin secured the services of another barrister, who appeared for him. It was now held that the bill should go to taxation. In view of the fact that Mr Singer did not act as counsel in the Higher Court this view was disputed by the defence, it being stated that Mr Singer was prepared to carry out his obligations to the fullest possible extent, but he was prevented from doing so in such circumstances that Martin was not entitled to the return of any part of the fee paid, Martin was formerly a law clerk, and it was contended that he understood quite well that Mr Singer undertook his case on the understanding that he would act as counsel in the Supreme Court. Counsel for plaintiff said it was clear that only by preventing the fee from going to taxation could Mr Singer hope to retain the full amount of the £2OO paid to him.

His Honour reserved his decision