THE SUPREME COURT.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1139, 29 May 1911, Page 4

THE SUPREME COURT.

ME. MASSEY'S VIEWS.

"In connection with our law Courts wo seem to be going back to improper and' undemocratic methods," eaid Mr. Massey, at Waimate, on Thursday night. Mr. Massey remarked that he had had a little experience of law Courts recently, but it did not affect his opinion in the slightest. "I am speaking under a strong sense of duty," Jlr. Massey continued, "uruM am speaking in regard to what is known as the 'Secret Case' in 'Wellington recently. The principle I believe iu Js that overy citizen is entitled to a fnir trial and in open Court—(applause)—more especially ivhero a man's liberty is concerned. This was such a case, and it lias not been in open Court. It is a. matter which will have to l>o taken firmly in hand by Parliament." "There is another point," Mr. 'assey continued. "One of the principles of our constitution is that a Supreme Court Judge or a Magistrate should bo paid sufficient to maintain him in comfort ai.d make provision for his declining ycuis. That is tho system which is supposed Iu be acted upon, and it is also und*-ib»d that when a Judge takes a position t.n the Bench he is not to expect anything iu the way of reward or ])e afraid of any punishment in connection with any act of his. That is a principle- which should l>e strictly adhered to, but it has been departed from in respect, to at !c.ist one Judge on the Bench, who during tho last few years has received large sums of money in addition to his .£2OOO a year and travelling qxpenscs." A voice: "Name him."

Mr. Massey: "Sir Robert Stout. Now. if that sort of thing is to bo continued then we are going; to have the independence of the Bench of Justices sapped. It will bp tile duty of Parliament to provide that it will not be possible for any Jndge to receive any payment in addirion to his salary from the Government which happens to bo in power."

The position of the magistracy, Mr. Massey continued, was similar, )ut a little more complicated, because magistrates' salario.s were voted by .Parliament. It was necessary to make the Bench of Justice absolutely fres and insist on its independence and an open Court. lie hoped that tho country would back him up when the; matter was before Parliament. Magistrates were appointed ut times for political, reasons, and ho would suggest that no appointments, should he made without, the approval of. two Julias of the Supreme , Coiiii. ' \". • .-V':/ ' I