MAYOR WARNED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17015, 13 April 1923, Page 7

MAYOR WARNED.

MAGISTRATE ANGRY. A HEATED INTERCHANGE. During h heated argument at- the Magistrate’s Court this morning between the Mayor (Dr H. T. .J. Thacker) and Mr Wyrern Wilson, the Mayor tvas warned by the magistrate that if he persisted in making certain observations he would find himself charged with contempt of court. Jhe case had originally been set down for hearing last. Friday, but on account of the absence of the Mavor, who had laid the information, it was dismissed without prejudice, tlie defendant being allowed costs. This morning the case was brought on again and as it was being defended th© Mayor had to sit patiently in the Court from about ten o'clock until ten minutes past twelve o’clock before being called on to give his evidence. Dr Thacker, at the conclusion of his evidence, said that lie wished to protest against having to come to the court at ten o’clock and then be kept waiting two hours before giving his evidence. He said the same thing had happened to him on practically every occasion he had ccnie to the court. The magistrate explained the procedure of the court, and said that until there were more magistrates there would be much more waiting. ‘‘The whole justice of the courts seems to defend the people who break the by-laws.” remarked the Mayor, after again stating that lie did not think it right for a busy man to bo kept waiting so long in court. “ I can’t allow you to say that.” interjected the Magistrate sharply. “ 'Well that is my opinion,” replied the Mayor. “ Well you must keep it to yourself and not express it here,” heatedly remonstrated the Magistrate. “If you are not careful you will find yourself called upon to show cause why you should not be committed for contempt of Court.” ‘‘ I did not mention the Court,” explained the Mayor, with vigour. Tlie Magistrate: You did. The Mayor: I’m sure I did not. The Magistrate : I’m afraid, doctor, you have been letting your tongue run away with you. The Mayor- I said proceedings; I did not mention Court. The Magistrate: “ Oh, no you didn’t. You said Court. Tt shows the danger you are likely to get into in not know-* ing what you say. You should be more careful in the choice of your words than you are. “I wish ” the Mayor began,. ■when the Magistrate cut him short. “You may go!” thundered the Magistrate. Dr Thacker made a further attempt to make an explanation but the Magistrate repeated his ultimatum and Dv Thacker subsided. For few minutes the Mayor remained watching the rest of the proceedings in the case : then made his exit quietly.