JURYMEN'S AGE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 167, 17 July 1942, Page 6

JURYMEN'S AGE

EXTENSION FAVOURED

STATEMENT BY MK. MASON (0.C.) WELLINGTON, this day. As there is difficulty in securing sufficient jurymen under the age limit of 80, the Attorney-General. Mr. Mason, favours an extension of the age to 05 years following the English war practice.

New Zealand, he stated to-day, was not in an especially difficult position until the end of last year, but the position had now become difficult. Some adjustment, therefore. in respect of jury service must come. "One finds, however, in this sphere in which traditional ideas are naturally strong, a disposition to ask for all sorts of exceptions or reservations," he added. "It is a question how far one can defer to these traditional ideas, while affording relief that will be at all substantial. If different reservations are made to meet different sentiments then the relief is whittled away to the point where it is not worth while. On the other hand ft does not appear that we can, with proper regard to the country's necessities, carry on much longer without some change, and the question is receiving the Government's attention."