SUPPRESSION OF NAMES.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 9 March 1927, Page 5

SUPPRESSION OF NAMES.

MAGISTRATE TAKES A STAND. LEAVES ISSUE TO PRESS. (BY rELiiQBAI’H PBEM ASSOCIATION./ CHRISTCHURCH, March S. A clear definition of his views on the question of the suppression of names was given by Mi-. Mosley this morning at the conclusion of a case against a young man of 26 yeans of age, named Norman Sligo, charged with forging and uttering a cheque for £ll 14s. Counsel, Mr. Johnston, said probation might foei granted and the name .suppressed. The accused had been discharged from, the Navy two yeans ago owing to blood poisoning, and in the past two, years had many operations. Hi,s health had been affected, and a good deal might be said.for his lapse. The Magistrate: I shall adopt the same policy as did Mr. Justice Stringer the other day, and leave the publication of the name to- the discretion of the Press. I don’t- like these orders. Mv feeling is strongly against making them. Of course, 1 consel in performance of their duty to their clients almost always apply for the suppression of the name. The suppression of -all names might as well be ordered with the result that crime would increase. There is no dictum for the lower court to •suppress the name., and leave it to the higher court to exercise discretion in the matter. lam very' sorry that the court should be placed in this position.

Mr. Johnston : I hope the Press wall not publish the name in his case. The- Magistrate : The Press can do just u'hat they like. Sligo pleaded’ guilty, and was committed for sentence.