Court, without tears

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32677, 5 August 1971, Page 14

Court, without tears

(N.Z. Press Association)

WHANGAREI, Aug. 4. Mr J. A. Bretherton, S.M., revealed talent as a linguist in-the Whangarei Magistrate’s Court today. In spite of a Ministry of Transport officer’s earnest attempts at explanation, a Frenchwoman could not understand the signifiance of the pleas “guilty” and “not guilty.” When the Magistrate asked for her plea on a charge of failing to signal when pulling out of a parking place, she refused to give one. “You are the judge, you know better than me,” she said.

After questioning by the Magistrate showed that the woman did not understand what New Zealand court procedure required of her, Senior Traffic Officer W. S. Paddy asked leave to try further explanation. The defendent, who was confused and becoming upset, asked if it was possible for someone to explain to her in French.

She was obviously pleased and relieved when a smiling Magistrate began a summary of the facts in French. After a moment’s amiable conversation between Magistrate and defendant, the woman pleaded guilty still in French.

In English and in French the Magistrate announced a conviction, imposing a $5 fine, with $5 court costs.