Section 232: Cross-examination as to previous statements in writing.

A witness may be cross-examined as to previous statements made by him in writing or reduced into writing and relative to matters in question in the suit or proceeding in which he is cross-examined without such writing being shown to him or being proved, but if it is, intended to contradict such witness by the writing, his attention must, before such writing can be proved or such contradictory proof given, be called to those parts of the writing which are to be used for the purpose of contradicting him;

Provided always that it shall be competent for the court at any time during the trial to require the production of the writing for its inspection, and the court may thereupon make use of it for the purposes of the trial, as it deems fit.