LEGAL AID TO THE POOR

Evening Star, Issue 23370, 13 September 1939, Page 4

LEGAL AID TO THE POOR

BILL INTRODUCED [Fr.ou Our Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, September 12. P.owor for the making of regulations providing for legal aid to poor persons is contained in one operative clause of the Legal Aid Bill, which was introduced by Governor-General’s Message and read. u first time in the House to-night. The Bill authorises the New Zealand Law Society, to establish committees and panels of legal practitioners for the assistance of poor persons, and requires practitioners to serve on the committees and panels to advise and conduct litigation for poor persons. This power may be delegated by the New Zealand Society to any district law society. Power is given for the remission of fees payable under any Act, rules or regulations in relation to court proceedings to which poor persons are parties, and for the non-allowance or remission of costs payable by poor persons (whether to other parties or to solicitors), and for the non-allowance, remission or disposal of costs payable. Replying to a question by Mr Coates, the Attorney-General, Mr Mason, said it was not a very important piece of legislation. Mr Coates: Chicken feed.

“ That may be the opinion of the hon. gentleman.” Mr Mason said, “but the power the Bill contains can be given only by this House, and thus it is not bolow the dignity of tho House.”