PHOTOGRAPHS BETTER

Evening Star, Issue 23423, 14 November 1939, Page 8

PHOTOGRAPHS BETTER

IDENTIFICATION IN COURT PROCEEDINGS SIGNATURES NOT ALWAYS DISTINCTIVE fPer United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, November 14. The desirability of identifying absent parties in proceedings by their photographs rather than by their signatures was emphasised by Mr Justice Northcroft during the hearing of an undefended divorce case in the Supreme Court this morning. When the marriage certificate was produced the Judge asked petitioner when ho had last seen his wife’s signature. Petitioner said he had Ins wife’s signature on an insurance paper. I do not propose to set myself up as an authority on handwriting, but there does not seem to be anything distinctive about this signature,” said the Judge, referring to the marriage certificate. “ There was a time when identity was always established by photographs. They are so numerous that it is surprising they are not used more often. Writing is a somewhat difficult means. With the multiplicity of photographs it ought not to be difficult to revert to the practice of former years.” Unfortunately in this case there were no photographs available, replied counsel. '

“ It seems an unusual affair,” the Judge observed. “ Most people are photographed ad nauseam.” The identification of the signature was accepted, however, and the decree granted.