G._No, 34.

8

CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO CONDUCT OE

During the whole time I neither by word or action did anything other than that which was courteous or respectful. These frequent expressions and outbursts of temper from Mr. Beckham have now become notorious. Helpless drunkards and unfortunate women, the latter of whom are described by him in open Court as below the brute beasts, must, from their unfortunate position and as women, submit. But when the attack is made upon me, I must resist, unless I consent to be driven from the Resident Magistrate's and Police Courts, to which, without cause, I object. I am being deprived of my Court practice, which, it appears to me, is Mr. Beckham's determination, and I am daily informed by my clients it is useless to give me business before him. I beg, therefore, the Government will take some steps to compel this gentleman, who, I believe, has sworn to act justly, to abide by his oath. It is now becoming too serious for me to submit to without further protest. As it now is, it is not possible for me, upon any occasion, when addressing him, to receive courtesy or even attention. I enclose statement of facts, of which I challenge contradiction. I have, &c, The Hon. tho Colonial Secretary J. B. Russell. (Judicial Branch), Wellington.

Enclosure in No. 15. (Prom Daily Southern Cross.) Resident Magisteate's Covet. —Friday, 20th April, 1872. The Court gave its reserved judgment in the cause of John Ogilvie v. Hugh Campbell, on a claim for £10, particulars of which were reported in a previous issue of this journal. Verdict went for the plaintiff. Mr. Busssll, for the defendant, said that as the decision of the Court would involve, and did involve, other transactions in connection with the business relations of the parties concerned in this action, he would ask leave to appeal. Mr. Beckham. —You have a perfect right, Mr. Russell, to take any advantage which the law allows you. Mr. Bussell. —But before I can appeal, it is necessary that I should have the consent of the Court. Mr. Beckham.- —That requires consideration. Mr. Bussell. —All that I ask is, in the interest of justice, that I may have permission to appeal. Mr. Beckham. —Justice, law, evidence, honour, and morality are against you in this matter. Justice you have got. Mr. Bussell. —But it is necessary that the Court should give its consent before I can appeal. There are interests involved by the decision of the Court in this case, which affect other interests outside of it. Mr. Beckham. —l am not inclined to allow an appeal at present. You can appeal some other time. Mr. Bussell.- —But I am only allowed three days to make the appeal. Mr. Beckham. —l shall not decide now. The next case having been called on, Mr. Russell sat down. After a minute or two Mr. Beckham said he would state whether or not he would allow the appeal before the business of the Court concluded.

(Extract from the 'Evening Star.) 19th Apeil, 1872. The following incident occurred in the Resident Magistrate's Court to-day, in the case of Ogilvie v. Campbell. Judgment: Sis Worship. —The Court, after considering the evidence given in this case, is of opinion that judgment must pass for plaintiff Mr. J. B. Bussell. —Judgment for the plaintiff? Sis Worship. —Yes. Mr. Bussell- —I stated to the Court, upon the opening of the case, that there are other matters involved besides this particular matter. I presume the Court will not object to grant me an appeal. Sis Worship. —Whatever the law allows you, you can take advantage of. If the law allows you, you can take advantage of that. Mr. Bussell.- —My application is, that the Court will grant me its consent. Sis Worship. —l have some doubt about that; I must consider of it. It is one of a class of cases that can be brought here, in which if the law and the evidence were against you, honor, honesty, and morality would declare there was no defence whatever. Mr. Bussell. —That is a question for my client. I ask, in the interest of justice, that you will grant me an appeal. Sis Worship. —Justice ! You have got justice. Judgment has been given for the plaintiff, otherwise it would not be justice. Judgment for the plaintiff. Mr. Bussell. —Will the Court grant me an appeal ? Sis Worship. —The Court must consider of it. Mr. Bussell. —When will the Court give me an answer. Sis Worship. —When the Court rises.