THE PROBATION OF7ICER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 188, 11 August 1933, Page 6

THE PROBATION OF7ICER.

My attention has just been drawn to certain statements alleged to have been made by me in connection with a recent case in which I was engaged as counsel. It was reported that I asked the judge not to take into consideration the probation "officer's report, which, it is stated, I alleged was untrue. There seems to have been a misunderstanding, because when I referred to the report as being untrue, I was referring, to only a certain part of the report as being "incorrect. The probation officer's report stated, inter alia, that the accused whilst in the Magistrate's Court had ~ taken certain moneys belonging to the Government. As taking money from the Government is looked upon as a serious offence, in addressing the judge I said, inter alia, that "this particular part of the probation officer's report was inaccurate and that if your Honor thinks it necessary to impose imprisonment I would ask your Honor not to take into consideration this particular part of the report." I may mention, in fact, that the probation officer's report was inaccurate, but I know that the probation officer was merely repeating a police report which had been supplied to him in connection with this allegation. As it might be- thought that my statements might possibly cast reflection on the probation officer, and as nothing was farther than this frdni my mind, I hasten to correct a wrong impression that might have been created, as, having seen many probation officers, I venture to suggest that there has been no probation officer like Mr. W. J. Gampbell, who has had such universal confidence of all members of the legal fraternity. J. F. W. DICKSON. 5