“A VERY YOUNG MAN.”

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18573, 27 November 1920, Page 8

“A VERY YOUNG MAN.”

MR WILFORD AND MR STOUT, S.M, A COURT INCIDENT. [Per Press Association.] WANGANUI, November 26. I During the hearing of the charge of, perjury at the Supreme Court against F. S. Easton, a well-known raoekorse j owner, this afternoon counsel for the defendant (Mr T. M. Wilford), in lus i address to the jury, insinuated that the 1 proceedings should never have been instigated by the Magistrate (Mr Stout) who, counsel remarked, was a very' young man and who may have been influenced in his decision by 'interested persons outside the Court. In summing up, Mr Justice Edwards said he very much regretted that Mr Wilford, in his zeal for his client, had made reflections upon a magistrate, which should not have been made. Mr Wilford had insinuated that Mr Stout had instigated the proceedings on account of something he had heard outside the Court. This was a reflection which should not have been made. The position of a magistrate was a very onerous one. and he was entitled to all respeot. Mr Wilford had insinuated that Mr Stout was a raw boy. Mr Wilford: No, Sir. His Honor t You said the wordt “very young,” Mr Wilford i Young as a magistrate, your Honor. I myself appointed Mr Stout a magistrate and could not have any reflection to make upon him for that reason. His Honor went on to say that there was not the slightest justification for any reflection upon Mi Stout who, as all judges at times had to do, had a painful duty forced upon him of ordering a prosecution for perjury. Mri Stout had been a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme. Court of New Zealand, jand as such was perfectly qualified to' hold the position of magistrate. He, at all times, carried out his duties without any flummery, and there was not the slightest justification for the reflection winoh had been made upon him. At a later stage Mr Wilford asked his Honor’s permission to make the amende honorable in connection with, the re-.' marks he had made concerning Mr. Stout. 1 On permission being granted Mr Wilford made the following explanation: “ I did not intend in any way to reflect upon the ability, character or integrity of purpose of Mr Stout. Aa .Minister of Justice in 1918 I appointed him to the position he now holds. I ascertained and personally knew his fitness for the position before I appointed him. I intended to oonvey in my remarks to the jury, not that he had done any wrong or had acted in any way exoept judicially, but that young in office as he was he may have been unconsciously influenced by a certain person at Foxton, who had admitted that he was on bad terms with Easton and who was an official of the Court there.” His Honors You insinuated that the magistrate waa influenced in the action be took by a policeman at the CourtP ' Mr Wilford Baid it waa hard to say how far tho magistrate had been unconsciously influenced by an official at the Court at Foxton, who hod admitted being on bad terms with accused. "In any case,” remarked counsel, “ I have taken the very first possible opportunity of making the amende honorable to Mr Stout.” _______