Greymouth Evening Star. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1947. Judges In Demand

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 February 1947, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1947. Judges In Demand

matter of considerable civic moment was raised in the Supreme Court at Christchurch yesterday by the Chief Justice, Sir Humphrey O’Leary, when he commented that even with the appointment, of a temporary judge he would be faced with many difficulties in attempting to maintain a normal judicial circuit throughout New Zealand in the next few months: Indeed, the Chief Justice added, it seemed unlikely that,a judge would be available for the Christchurch sessions in March.

The present position, as the Chief Justice explained, has been brought about by the absence of Mr. Justice Northcroft, who is a member of the War Crimes Tribunal at present sitting in Tokio, and. the engagement of Mt. Justice Blair since November in the protracted Onekaka case. Further calls on the time of judges will be made by the sittings of the Gaming Commission, over which Mr. Justice Finlay will preside, and also by the need for an electoral commission in March, requiring two judges. A sitting of the Court of Appeal will also be held towards the end of this month and this will claim the attention of five judges. It is obvious, therefore, that the Chief Justice has good cause for the complaint that he is faced with extraordinary difficulties in arranging a normal circuit.

Relief is essential to the efficient and expeditious administration of justice. In fact, it is apparent that even the appointment of two temporary judges would not obviate the necessity for judges to work extended hours, long past the public sittings of the courts. It is interesting to note that Mr. Justice Callan also had some comment to make recently on the present position. He pointed out at the Auckland session of the Supreme Court that he was faced with a heavy calendar, the whole of which he had to deal with himself, and that “the work of the Court cannot possibly be done unless at all times there are two judges.” Nearly one-third of New Zealand’s total population lives in the Auckland province, which is normally served by two judges, or one-fifth of the numerical strength of the Supreme Court Bench.

A sound, case can be made for an increase in the number of judges. In 1913, when the numerical strength of the Bench was fixed at eight, the total population was slightly over 1,000,000. To-day, the population is over 1,700,000, and. at the' same time the extended scope of legislation has provided a wider field for litigation. During the years that have passed since 1913, however, the number of judges has been increased by two only. An increase of 70 per cent, in population has been accompanied by an increase of only 25 per cent, in the number oE judges. An overhaul oE the statutes governing appointments to the Supreme Court Bench is urgently required iE the people are to continue to receive the efficient and expeditious administration oE justice which they have had. in the past and which is the inalienable right of every British subject.

Telephone Conversations nri-IE practice of tapping telephone conservations lias long been deemed legitimate in certain special circumstances. In time of war. as is pointed out by the New Zealand Herald, it is undertaken as a means of defence against enemies, and, in peace, as Court evidence shows from time to time, it is used by special arrangement between the police and the Post Office authorities to trap some types of criminals, especially those suspected of offending against the telephone regulations by misusing the service, particularly for the purpose of insulting or pestering women. The report, by the New Zealand Herald political correspondent, which we published yesterday, alleges, however, that a wartime practice, applied only in certain cases, has been extended into peace-time. ■He reported that certain Government officials and others in Wellington strongly suspect that an official organisation is eavesdropping on their telephone conversations. It is a report that cannot have caused other than grave disquiet. The allegations are admittedly without positive proof, but it may be assumed that a newspaper with the reputation of the New Zealand Herald for integrity and caution would not publish such a report without adequate inquiry. The public has always taken it .for granted that telephone conversations are on a confidential basis, and in the circumstances it is the duty of the Prime Minister to issue immediately an explanation or a denial of the allegations made. A charge has been laid; in the interests of both the Government and the

people it should be answered. Any suggestion that the methods of the political' police in countries under the dictator s heel are being followed in this country should not be lightly received by citizens who value the elementary rights bestowed on them in a democratic State.