A VEXED QUESTION

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 125, 8 March 1930, Page 9

A VEXED QUESTION

STATEMENTS TO POLICE. PRODUCTION IN COURT URGED. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, March 7. The question whether police statements in motor collision cases should be produced or not, was discussed in tho Magistrate's Court during the hearing of an action in which one party claimed against another for injuries received through his being knocked down by a motor-vehicle. During the evidence for plaintiff Constable L. G. Smith, who was called as a witness, was asked questions concerning a statement given in writing bv the defendant immediately after the accident. The constable said he had re-read the statement and knew its contents, but could not produce it, as it was police property. 'Mr Page, S.M.: I see no reason why such statements should not be put in 'as evidence. It is time that this vexed question was settled. Mr Goodwin: In a case heard by the late Mr Justice Sim lie ordered the statement to be put in in evidence, but gave no ruling as tc> the practice. Mr Leicester: It would be in the interests of justice if the Commissioner permitted all statements to be available to both the parties in a collision case. The present position is the causv of great dissatisfaction to those concerned in the conduct of these actions, and I understand that the Council of the New .Zealand Law Society is being asked to* make a recommendation to the propel- quarter. Mr Page allowed the constable to be questioned as to the contents of the statement.