SUPPRESSION OF NAMES.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 23 March 1926, Page 7

SUPPRESSION OF NAMES.

APPLICATION REFUSED BY MAGISTRATE.

COUNSEL’S INSISTENT PLEA. By Telegraph—Press Association. AUCKLAND, March 22. “These two men have never been in trouble before. AV jll Your AVorship order tho suppression of their names?” asked Mr Dickson, who appeared for two men who were fined £2 eacli at the Police Court for stealing four bottles of beer. “No, I will not suppress their names,” said tlie Magistrate (Mr F. K. Hunt) emphatically. Mr Dickson : “These men have never been in trouble before. I would like—.” Mr Hunt: “I won’t suppress their names, so that’s the end of it." Mr Dickson: “I insist upon argument.” Mr Hunt: “Now now. You can argue as long as you like afterwards when wo come to the end of tho list. All the argument in the world won’t mpke unv impression on me.” Mr Dickson: “AA'hnt’s that Your Worship? I submit that if you say no argument that I place before you can— Mr Hunt: “Not in this case. These men have pleaded guilty to stealing another man’s beer.” Air Dickson: “I insist upon arguing the matter at tho end of the list," sir.” The matter was then stood down until all other cases had been disposed of, when the case was re-opened.

Ah' Hunt said it wa.s ridiculous. It wa.s no form of punishment at all if the names of tlie offenders wore suppressed. Every ease depended upon circumstances. Tn this case both accused had pleaded guilty to the theft' of tlie beer.

“Well, T formally make application for the suppression of their names, as both my clients are first offenders. Secondly, they are married men, and publicity is going io pir>** them far greater than the flue imposed,” said Mr Dickson. Mr Hunt: “A T es, of course, it will.” Mr Dickson : “1 suggest that it would lie greater in proporton to the offences. I affo suggest, vour AVorship, tint flic whole law is favourable towards tho suppression of tho offenders’ names. This Court has in tlie past been in the. habit of suppressing names of first offenders. That lias_ been the attitude •Mooted. One Magistrate— Mr Hunt: “And this is tho attitude of another Magistrate.” Counsel then pointed out that there was a clause in the Probation Act which stated that a Magistrate could exercise bis discretion in suppressing names of first 'offenders. Afr Justice Stringer suppressed the name of ail offender in the Supreme Court. “Acs, hut he said he was very reluetanl; 1o do it,” replied Mr limit. AT'- Dickson : “Well, ] suggest that the whole no 1 iev of the law is in tlie direction of suppressing the names of first offenders. T also suggest that the Press ■-1 1 <)uI<I have no influence upon what 1 lie Court decides on the quosI ion of the suppression of names. The Press of Auckland took an unfair and unreasonable attitude, and is trying to dictate to the Court. AVe hear a great howl from ilie Press been use a Magistrato suppresses a name.” Afr Hunt: “AYoll, I refuse vour application in this ease. AVhoro' the circumstances in my opinion warrant me in suppressing a name T will do it, I flit not in these eases. In such eases as these publieitv is tho only punishment. The upp'icalioii is refused.”