[i roto i te reo Māori]

§ 40.

On the day appointed for hearing, when all parties are assembled, the plaintiff, that is, the person who made the complaint, makes his statement, and his witnesses also state what they know.

The defendant, (that is, the person who is charged with the wrong doing,) then cross-examines the plaintiff and his witnesses; that is, he asks questions about what has been said by them, with the view of eliciting anything favourable to his side.

Then the Magistrate also examines them, in order to make clear any point not thoroughly understood.

When the plaintiff and his witnesses have finished, the defendant and his witnesses proceed in a similar manner: the plaintiff cross-examines them; and, finally, the Magistrate examines them, in order that all the facts may be brought out.

When the Magistrates have heard both sides, they deliberate until they arrive at a decision as to which of the parties is right.

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When this is done, the judgment of the Court is given. This is pronounced in public, audibly, that all may hear. This judgment must not be founded on more caprice, but upon the evidence adduced, and must be according to equity and good conscience.

This judgment, once delivered, terminates the matter in dispute.