Cross-examination as to previous statement in writing

(1) A witness under cross-examination, or a witness whom the judge, under section 71(2), has permitted to be examined by the party who called him as to previous statements, inconsistent with his present testimony, may be questioned as to previous statements made by him in writing, or reduced into writing, relative to the subject-matter of the cause or matter, without the writing being shown to him or being proved in the first instance but, if it is intended to contradict him by the writing, his attention must, before contradictory proof can be given, be called to those parts of the writing which are to be used for the purpose of contradicting him. (2) The judge may, at any time during the hearing or trial, require the document to be produced for his inspection, and may thereupon make any use of it for the purposes of the hearing or trial he thinks fit. 42