During the week that he was absent from his office he did participate in the trial of another case. Held:

We reverse. The mere fact that counsel and his clients had no knowledge that the case was on the calendar and set for trial is not in itself sufficient to support the grant of a new trial. The application, although addressed to the sound legal discretion of the trial judge (Code 70-208) must be supported by a showing of some meritorious explanation of the absence, as well as a meritorious defense. See Caylor v. Wheat, 210 Ga. 429 (80 SE2d 688); Brawner v. Wilkins, 114 Ga. App. 263 (150 SE2d 721); Ohlen v. McCoy, 25 Ga. App. 528 (103 SE 803). For recent appeals involving the unexcused absence of counsel, see Jordan v. Plott, 121 Ga. App. 727 (175 SE2d 148); Carver v. Cranford, 122 Ga. App. 100 (176 SE2d 272).