A “BREEZE” IN COURT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2116, 26 June 1907, Page 1

A “BREEZE” IN COURT.

AA'ARM AA'ORDS EXCHANGED. MAGISTRATE AND LAAVYER. Tho usually peaceful atmosphere of the AA'ollingtou Magistrate's Court was rudely disturbed on June 10th by a “breezo” which came up, like catspaw on a summer sea, suddenly and apparently from nowhere in particular, says the N.Z. Times. Bench, Bar, and public had been drowsing along quietly through the hearing of an unsavoury indecent language case, in which a young man named Michael Barry had occupied a central position. Two constables had sworn to the use of the words complained of in Lambton Quay, noar a restaurant, and the accused and two friends also gave evidence. The question turned on the enunciation of and emphasis given to two particular words ,and Dr. McArthur, S.M., in deciding that the case had been proved and imnosing a fine of 20s, im default seven days’ imprisonment, said he would give an instance of disgusting behaviour that had' come under his own notice. He was standing, he said, with his wife, near tho Town Hall one night waiting for a tramcar, and —he was sorry to have to say it, but it was so—he observed three or four volunteers loitering about, indulging in some of the vilest languago he had ever heard. Had it not been that he had Mrs McArthur with, him, he would have attempted to arrest them himself, as there was not a constable in sight up or down the: street. “No doubt,” Dr. McArthur continued, “they would be talking next day about tho ‘good "time’ they had had that night; but if they had been arrested there would probably have been the same exhibition in Court as wo have had hero to-day. So far as , the present case is concerned, I must say I do not believe the evidence of the two.men against that of the two constables “That is what I told them, sir,” interrupted Mr AVilford, who appeared for the 1 defence, and tho Court awoke as if an electric wave had .passed through the room. Dr. McArthur: You ought to bo ashamed to say so I Mr. AVilford: But, sir, you will let me explain Dr. McArthur : You told these men it was no use their coming hero before mo—n Mr. AA'ilford : Nor is it!

Dr. McArthur (warmly): You have no right to make such a statement — meaning that if they came here they -would not get justice. That is what your first remark would infer. Mr. AVilford: No, sir; I did not mean that. I told them it was no use-

Dr. McArthur: I will leave it to any member of the Bar here present to say if that was not the inference of your remarks. Mr. AVilford: It is no use becoming heated, sir. I think we are at cross-purposes, and in an hour or two you will think so, too. So far as tho Bar is concerned, there are no doubt some members who would like tho opportunity to catch me tripping. Sub-Inspector O’Donovan hero roso and attempted to pour oil on tho troubled waters, mentioning that Mr AVilford’s first remark certainly seemed to carry the inference that tho Magistrate had drawn from it. Mr. AVilford strongly denied that any such meaning was intended. Mr.. Myers then came to liis feet, and asked to bo allowed to mention tihat no member of the Bar had tho right to question a Magistrate’s decision, whereupon Mr. AVilford retorted, “I consider it an impertinence for you to interfere.” Then, turning to the Bench, “It is an impertinence to me, sir; not to vou.” The incident then dosed, and tho machinery of tho law resumed the oven tenor of its way.