SAVING SYLLABUS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIII, Issue IX, 26 August 1899, Page 11

SAVING SYLLABUS.

A good story concerning Sir Henry Hawkins is told in one of our Japanese exchanges just to hand. He was once practising before Lord Campbell, who was somewhat pedantic. In addressing the jury Mr Hawkins, when referring to a brougham, pronounced the wort! with two syllables—bro-am. “Excuse. me,” said His Lordship, blandly, “but I think that if instead of saying ‘broam’ you were to say ‘broom,’ you would be more intelligible to the jury, and, moreover, you would save a syllable." “1 am much obliged to Your Lordship.’’ quietly replied .Mr Hawkins, and proceeded to bring his address to a close. Presently the Judge, in summing up, made use of the word "omnibus.” Instantly up rose Mr Hawkins, and exclaimed, “Pardon me m'lud, but I would take the liberty of suggesting that, instead of saying •omnibus' Your Lordship would say “bus,' and you would then oe more intelligible to the jury, and, besides, you would save two syllables.”