APPEAL COURT

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2895, 6 October 1916, Page 9

APPEAL COURT

SOLICITOR STRUCK OFF THE ! ROLLS. The Appeal Court sat yesterday to hoar an application of the New Zealand Law Society, represented by Mr. H. F. Von Haast, to;have Charles . Edward Harden, solicitor, of Auckland, who. was convicted in February last of tho theft of money, struck off the rolls. The Bench was occupied by the Chief Justice (Sir Robert Stout), Mr.. Justice Edwards, Mr. Justice Cooper, Mr. Justice Chapman,'.:aii.d .Mr. Justice'Sniu ~ ••' Mr. H. H. Ostlor, who' appeared fori Harden, said he could not oppose the motion, but in' this case the amount involved was small, and tli© solicitor's trust account was not involved. Hnrden, ho said, was not constitutionally, dishonest, His trouble was drink. The only thing that-ho could ask for was that Harden .midlife be. permitted to take a position m a solicitor's offioe; should ho bo fortunate enough to get such a position. Harden had no means; Their- Honours stated that tho application for permission to take employment in a solicitor's office must be made to tho Supreme Court. Mr. Justice Edwards asked Mr. Ostlor to explain why Harden, who was a convicted criminal on probation, was allowed to have his name on the roll of the Auokland Law Society from February to May when tho present application was filed. His Honour expressed tho opinion that it was a disgrace to the society that:it allowed a criminal to pose as an officer of the Court. ' '..'•*■' Mr. Ostler said he was a member of the society, hut npt a'member of. the council, and was "scarcely responsible; An order as requested was made, and Harden was struck off tho .roll. ' . "