THE LOWER HIGH ORDERS.

Inangahua Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1276, 27 July 1883, Page 2

THE LOWER HIGH ORDERS.

« Now we have upon us the longpending slander case of John Davies C.M.a v. J. Harris, M.L.C. The claim is for £20,000 damages. The case is being watched with considerable interest. There are many humorous portions of evidence published of which the following is a fair specimen : — Mr Darley : Will you take a piece of pencil and write me the words, " Cabs, January, 81 ? " The witness wrote the words, and handed them to Mr Darley, who then had the envelope, with the memorandum of cab-hire marked for identification. Mr Darley : Will you take another piece of paper, and write another test, " Cabs, January, 81 ?" The witness again wrote the words, and handed them to Mr Darley ; and both test papers w«re then placed with the envelope for identification. iM _ r -Parley : How do you spell the word January. Witness. J A N A R E VJ A N A U K Y. No. that's a mistake ; you flurry me, Mr Darley. Mr Darley : Do I ? Try it again. Witness : JANA UK V ? Mr Darley : That is the third time — J A N A U 11 Y. Witness : I don't profess to be a very great scholar.

What were you by trade or profession ? I was a blacksmith, and engineer, and ironmonger. When did you cease to carry on business ; About 1872, I think. Since which time you have carried on no business at all ? No: You have been a gentleman at leisure, and devoting your energies for the benefit of the colony ? Yes ; for the general good. Since that time you have had no business ? No, When you were in business you did not enter public life ? No, but I have always taken an active part in public matters. Mr M. H. Stephen: You do not pretend to be a scholar ? Witness : No ; I have been my own schoolmaster, and the world has been my school ; when I was nine years of age, I was thrown on the world, and have had to make my own way with out the assistance of either influence or wealth.