The extent to which a cross-examination upon collateral issues shall be permitted for the purpose of testing the memory of a witness is a question of fact for the trial term. Testimony educed upon a cross-examination as to immaterial issues is not open to contradiction.
BLODGETT, C. J.
How far justice required the inquiries to Beaudry, upon the immaterial point whether the house cost more or less than the contract price, should be allowed to go for the purpose of testing his memory, was it question of fact to be determined at the trial (Spalding v. Merrimack, 67 N.H. 382, 383; Baldwin v. Wentworth, 67 N.H. 408, 409); and his statements so made were not open to contradiction upon the other immaterial point its to whether he had been fully paid by the defendant for building the house. Sumner v. Crawford, 45 N.H. 416, 418; Dewey v. Williams, 43 N.H. 384, 386; Hersom v. Henderson, 23 N.H. 498, 506, 507.
Exceptions overruled.
PEASLEE, J., did not sit: the others concurred.