MR. BARTON AND THE JUDGES

Evening Post, Volume XVI, Issue 211, 5 September 1878, Page 3

MR. BARTON AND THE JUDGES

Mr Da Lantour will, when the House reassembles, introduce a Bill to empower life Excellency the Governor to appoint a Royal Commission to enquire : — (1.) As to the powers possessed by the Judges of imprisoning or otherwise punishing any person for alleged contempt of Court : (2.) As to the relative positions occupied by the Parliament of this colony and the Judges thereof, and as to what control, if any, the Governor or Parliament can exercise in the case of the misbehaviour of any Judge or Judges : (3.) As to the power, authority, or precedent under which George Elliott Barton, barrister-at-law, in the month of February, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight, was imprisoned by the direction of the Chief Justice and Mr. Justice Richmond, for one month in Wellington Gaol, and as to the procedure followed in the exercise of such power la such imprisonment: (4.) As to the practice and procedure of the Supreme Court in regard to fees imposed upon suitors, and in regard to the right of audience and of freedom of speech in the said Court ; and (5.) Generally to report the opinions of the Commission upon the aforesaid subjects of inquiry.