DOMESTIC CASES IN COURTS

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21256, 30 August 1934, Page 10

DOMESTIC CASES IN COURTS

* MOVE TO EXCLUDE IDLE LISTENERS [From Our Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON. August 29. The exclusion of idlfc members of the public from the magistrate's court when cases of a domestic character were being heard was urged by a deputation from the National Council of Women which waited on the Minister for Justice (the Hon. J. G. Cobbe) to-day. In replying, the Minister undertook to ask all magistrates to exclude from the courts persons who were in no way connected vMth the proceedings in such cases. Miss C. E. Kirk, Dominion president of the council, said all the deputation asked was that in affiliation. maintenance, and separation cases the idle public should be excluded. It did not ask for the exclusion of members of the legal profession, recognised social workers, friends of the parties, and press representatives. Miss M. England said that in New South Wales domestic cases were afforded every privacy, and that even social workers had to obtain a special pass if they wished to be present in the court, which was held apart from the main court. "You have raised a very difficult question, but 1 may say that personally I am in entire sympathy with your proposal," the Minister said. "The difficulty is that we fear we may do something that might have a harmful effect. Magistrates, of course, have power now to clear a court where they think it necessary. I understand that the magistrates in Wellington are very careful to keep out undesirables, and that domestic cases arc heard in a room set aside for that purpose." Miss Kirk said that the request concerned the whole of New Zealand. "The magistrates are very good to u.«." she added; "but no magistrate wishes to exercise his privilege unduly. We have known instances where girls who have been concerned ; have been approached in the street by undesirables who have seen them in court." The Minister: I quite agree that these loafers who hang round the courts should not be allowed in during the hearing of domestic cases, yve arc afraid to introduce legislation 111 case we go too far; but 1 will undertake to circularise all magistrates asking tlicm to exclude from the . courts persons in no way connected Willi the proceedings in domestic ( cases. Miss Kirk; That would give us great satisfaction. Ihe Minister: We will see how it works. If it docs not have any effect, come ami see me again.