Suppression Attacked

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30535, 2 September 1964, Page 3

Suppression Attacked

Government plans to allow courts to suppress the names of drunken drivers were attacked by Mr P. Blanchfield (Opp., Westland) as “palmtree justice.”

There was a feeling of concern throughout New Zealand at the move, he said. “Many drunken drivers are apprehended because they have damaged persons or property,” said Mr Blanchfield.

“How can the suppression of their names be justified while others, whose only offence is that they have been caught drinking after hours have their names published?" They could be civil servants and for them, it is a serious matter, although they might be discharged. Mr Blanchfield said the proposal would create a privileged section in the community.

The Minister of Justice (Mr Hanan) said the Statutes Revision Committee was still considering legislation which would end the automatic publication of the names of first offenders for drunken driving. . At present, an offender accused of a comparatively more serious offence could have his name suppressed. The Law Society had made strong representations to allow suppression in drunken driving cases, at the discretion of the courts. Mr Hanan said the Law

Society had cited the case of a woman who had been taking drugs on doctor’s prescription but who had driven, been convicted and had had her name published. “In such a case, under the proposed new law, the Court would have the power to prohibit publication of name. But the present law was decreed by Parliament and it will be for Parliament to decide on any change.”

Mr Blanchfield: I am not satisfied with the Minister’s reply. That’s palm-tree justice.