CRITICISM OF JUDGES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 136, 4 December 1911, Page 5

CRITICISM OF JUDGES.

THE CHIEF JUSTICE SPEAKS. A MEAN THEFT. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. "It is not generally 'known by those who criticise judges,'' said the Chief Justice (Sir Robert Stout), when sentencing a prisoner yesterday, "that it is my duty to find out all I can about an accused person's character, and if I get evidence I state it to counsel. I must not only look at what is proved in the lower court or -in this court, but must look outside in this case." Alfred Arthur 'Henderson, a youth, was being sentenced' on a charge of breaking and entering and theft at Karaka Bay. "The lad seems to think," continued the Chief Justice, ''that the matter is of no importance. When a prisoner asks for probation and does a thing like that, it ought not be granted. I notice that the Chief Detective says* he does not realise the. seriousness of his position." Mr. A. L. Herdman (counsel for prisoner): "Yes, he does. His uncle is prepared to take him." "This theft," declared His Honor, "was a mean one. He stole the articles from people who had been friends to him. That is not very satisfactory. However, I always desire to be lenient; perhaps too much so, and I am willing to give you another chance. He will be given probation for twelve months and must report himself monthly to the probation officer." r Mr. Herdman, asked his Honor to fix some hour for the .boy to be indoors at night. . His Honor: "Yes; he must be in at 6 o'clock at night for the first three months to see how he gets on."