A JUDGE’S DUTY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3390, 4 December 1911, Page 6

A JUDGE’S DUTY.

IN REGARD TO ACCUSED PERSONS.

(Per Press Association.) AVELLINGTON, Dec. 3. ‘■lt is not generally known by those who criticise judges,” said the Chief Justice (Sir Robert Stout) when sentencing a prisoner yesterday, “that it is my duty to find out all i cam about an accused -person’s character, and if I get evidence I state it to counsel. 1 must not only look at what is proved in the Lower Court, or in this Court, but must look outside. In this case (Alfred Arthur Hendcnson, a youth, was being sentenced on a charge of breaking and entering and theft at Karaka Bay) the lad seems to think that the matter is of no importance. AYlien a prisoner asks for 2>robation and does a thing like that, it might not bo granted. I notice that the chief detective says lie does not realise the seriousness of his position.”

Mr A. L. Hardman (counsel for prisoner) : Yes he does. His uncle is prepared to take him. “This theft,” declared His Honor, “was a mean one. He stole the articles from people who had been frunds to him. float is not very satisfactory. However, I always desire to be lenient, perhaps too much so, and I am willing to give accused another chance. He will he given probation for twelve months, and must report himself monthly to the probation officer. Mr Herdman asked His Honor to fix some hour for the hoy to be indoors at night. His Honor: A 7 os. he must he in at 6 o’clock at night for the first three months to see how he gets on.