At The Same Old Rates

NZ Truth, Issue 1149, 8 December 1927, Page 8

At The Same Old Rates

THE small penalties attached bymagistrates to some convictions for wrongdoing has been the subject of much comment m recent months. The Dominion, however, is not alone m this respect for there is a form of inadequate penalty common to most countries these days. Though, during the last 13 years, the cost of living has gone up considerably, many crimes can still be committed at pre-war-rates. This is particularly so m Police Court fines. Even if the average penalty imposed by such tribunals were increased 50 per cent., it would still, as expressed m terms of the falling £1, mean that the 'culprit was getting off more cheaply than he would have for a similar offence m 1914. True, the bibulous first offender is relieved of ten shillings whereas m pre-war days, half that amount covered his contribution to the State. But m other misdemeanors m the mild category, £1 or seven days is seemingly the fixed scale. The wages of sin — or such sin as is dealt with m the Magistrates' Courts — are about the only kind of wages that have not been elevated m recent years. Everything else has gone up, including the price of baby's bottle and dad's tobacco, but wrongdoing is still catalogued at the old rates. The cost of running Magistrates' Courts for casual and regular clients has certainly increased, yet the culprit concerned gets off cheaper than ever. Attention, please, the Minister for Justice.