IDENTIFYING PARTIES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 29, 14 November 1939, Page 4

IDENTIFYING PARTIES.

THE USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS. FAVOURED BY A JUDGE. (Per Press Association!, (•- CHRISTCHURCH, This,Day. The desirability of identifying absent parties in proceedings by their graphs rather than by their signatures was emphasised by Mr Justice Northcroft during the hearing of an undefended divorce case in the Supreme Court this morning. When a marriage certificate was produced the Judge asked petitioner when he had last seen his wife’s signature. Petitioner said he had his wife’s signature on an insurance paper. “I do not propose to set myself up as an authority' oh" handwriting, hut there does not seem to be anything distinctive about this signature,” said the Judge, referring to the marriage certificate. “There was a time when identity was always established by photographs. They are so numerous, that it is surprising they are not used more often. Writing is a somewhat difficult means. With the multiplicity of photographs it ought not to be difficult to revert to the practice of former years.” Unfortunately in this case there were no photographs available, replied, .the counsel. It seems an unusual affair, the Judge observed. Most people are photographed ad nauseum. • Identification of the signature was accepted, however, and a decree was granted.