ENGLISH LAW COURTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 November 1925, Page 4

ENGLISH LAW COURTS.

.11 AG ISTR ATE’S IMPR ESSIONS. « WELLINGTON, November ft. After a six months’ tour abroad, Mr E. Page, S.M., lias returned to Wellington to take up magisterial duties on the Bench again. Talking to a representative of the “ Dominion ” on Saturday morning, Mr Page had many

interesting things to relate concerning his tour. At no time did he miss studying crime in other countries. “ In England.” he said, “ a first offender is nearly always given a chance to redeem without going to prison, and very wide use is made of the Probation Act before wrongdoers are dealt with hardily. 1 had a chance to sit for one day at the famous Bow Street, with another Magistrate, and made the most of the experience. The thing was unique. I visited the Old Bailey frequently and listened to many interesting i rials. The impression I tocnied regarding the Old Bailey was that they were somewhat less lenient m the methods of dealing with offenders than we -are in New Zealand. 1 his, however. may he an unfair opinion as 1 did not have time to go into the matter thoroughly. Court eases in England seem to be dealt with quickly and corredly. They are put through in no time, and opposing counsel do not hold matters up with useless talk. As soon as the evidence is taken the Judge sums up himself, and the matter is then handed to the jury. Ihe Court of Criminal Appeal in England is made verv wide use of in the graver sort ot cases. Although in New Zealand there is an Act giving the right to appeal in the* same way as over there, it, is very

seldom that three Judges are called together lor the purpose of dealing with such things. It happens now and then, of course, but generally speaking the Criminal Court of Appeal there is used verv little.”

INCREASE IN CRIME. Asked if crime had increased in England during tl'.e last low years, Mr Page replied that such indeed had been the case. This stale of affairs he attributed to poverty and after-war conditions. “My experience, which is supported by statistics, is that during the period when wages were plontilul at Home men were at the war, and conditions generally were good, crime lessened to a great degree. For instance, the number of convictions recorded in 1913 was much lower than any oilier period lor recent years." Now, however, crime was increasing in the Old Country. iust the same as it was in New Zealand and many other parts of the world as well. IVEM BLEY.

Mr Page, who visited New York, attended several of the courts while there, lie noticed a great lack of decorum and dignity, which, coming from New Zealand and England, struck him as rather unusual. A visitor lrom other countries always had that impression to carry away, however. In the Supreme Court the Judges do not wear wigs, although they don a gown. The language used hy counsel in addressing the jury -icmed very slangy and slip-hod. Still the way in which punishment was awarded did not ddfot considerably from our own. (.'mu inning. Mr Page said that England, like most other countries, was undergoing a very difficult neriod alter the war. due ol the chief industries to slitter was that of coal. This market was very badly depressed indeed. "The supply of coal.” went on the speaker, “ is far in excess of the demand. This seems* to lie largely due to the fact that nil and livdl'O-electric power are being Used

to a great extent.” Touching on "Wembley. Mr Page said that although the loss was estimated at something like *J2.Dill). 1)00. it seemed that the educational value had been very great, and the expenditure was probably justified. New Zealand had gained wonderful publicity ol the right sort at the exhibit ion. Almost everyone who went there learnt of the Dominion’s wonders. "Although the New Zealand court last year was the subject of some criticism. I thought ibis year it was very excellent indeed. Ml of our natural resources were displayed and prominence nl an invaluable nature was given in our main items of export, siieli as dairy produce, mitt ton. and wool. They were big features, as everyone who has the interest of this country at heart knows. A splendid court showed the thermal marvels and

scenery nl New Zealand. These were of great beauty, and thousands of people were fascinated at the thought of so great a country 'across the sea. It was a line thing for ininiigi'iition— very fine, indeed.” The Magist rate also attended the Prison C ongress on behalf of the New Zealand Government while in England, at which every civilised country had representatives present. "Although I have had a wonderful time.” concluded the Magistrate, "1 am glad to he hack with the people I admire so well again. Now I shall commence the work on the Renee once more with the knowledge of prison law greatly increased, and also many other things that are undoubtedly of .great value to a stipendiary magistrate.”