A SHARP REBUKE
MAGISTRATE ASKED TO INTERVENE.
’AUCKLAND, Nov. 1. An employer’s action in approaching Mr E. W. Platts, S.M., to intervene in
a case which had come before Mr Wyvern Wilson, S.M., was criticised by Mr Wilson in the Hamilton Magistrate’s Court.
The circumstances were that Richard E. Fox was proceeded against for failing to obey a maintenance order with respect to a child. The case had been before the Court on several occasions and was adjourned some weeks ago to give Fox an opportunity of adopting the Magistrate’s suggestion that he should go into a single men’s relief camp. Counsel for defendant, Mr Greene, said that he would like to have called Fox’s employer to give evidence concerning Fox’s suitability as a worker, but unfortunately the employer, was ill. Counsel asked for a further week’s adjournment of the case. The Magistrate: This is the man who has! been talking to Mr Platts, trying to get him to put in i word for the defendant with me. Counsel: I do not know about that. The Magistrate: Well, I do. Has Fox gone into camp yetP Counsel: Fox’s employer Is perfectly satisfied with him. t think it would be a mistake to take this man from his employment and place him in camp. It would not affect the amount of maintenance he could pay. The Magistrate: I do not want your opinion about the matter. If you want to give- evidence, you can go into the witness box. Why is the man not here ?'
Counsel: He is in sole charge of the farm while his employer is ilk He has paid 5s a week into Court since he has been at work.
The Magistrate: I have decided that Fox is not trying. I told him what he should do, and he has not done it. X am not satisfied with this man being on the outskirts of the town. The reports. about him are that he wastes his time in town. That is why I think he should go into camp. I should like to see the employer to get an explanation from him regarding his extraordinary conduct in getting Mr Platts to approach me. It is a most improper proceeding for anyone to approach a Magistrate except through the Court.
The case was adjourned for a week
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Hokitika Guardian, 3 November 1932, Page 7
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388A SHARP REBUKE Hokitika Guardian, 3 November 1932, Page 7
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