Society Support For Lawyers’ Protest

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30883, 16 October 1965, Page 3

Society Support For Lawyers’ Protest

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, Oct 15.

The Council of the Auckland District Law Society strongly supported the submissions of a group of Auckland law* yers made before the Statutes Revision Committee in so far as they protested against the undue haste with which the News Media Bill was sought to be passed, said the president of the society, Mr R. K. Davidson, Q.C., today.

The News Media Bill was a controversial and far-reach-ing piece of legislation which demanded the opportunity for close scrutiny and consideration, he said.

“The Law Society and Its district societies are concerned to scrutinise carefully all new bills introduced into Parliament and are prepared to offer to the Government the benflt of such assistance as they are able to provide in the preparation and consideration of new legislation. “However, of recent months it has been a matter of concern that the haste with which some matters have been dealt with in the House has precluded adequate consideration being given to the proposed legislation and to the preparation and presentation of submissions to the appropriate committee.”

On Wednesday, a group of 50 lawyers made submissions to the committee objecting to

the haste In which the bill was being passed into law and sought the deferment of the bill from the present session of Parliament.

Their submissions also protested at the lack of real opportunity to present prepared submissions to the commitee, and they further objected to the bill itself as being contrary to the vital interests of the people in maintaining''a free and open society. Mr Davison said the lawyers concerned in the submissions were generally from among the younger members of the profession, but their standing was such that their opinions were deserving of the greatest respect and consideration.

Before the committee, it had been suggested that the submissions were presented on behalf of a group of lawyers who did not have the support of more senior and

more experienced members of the profession and. in particular, did not have the support of the Auckland Law Society. “The short period of time available for the preparation and making of submissions on the bill dictated that immediate action be taken, and the lawyers concerned are to be commended for the prompt preparation of their submissions and their interest and concern for the maintenance of true principles of law.”