JUDGE AND POLITICS.

Mataura Ensign, 9 February 1911, Page 5

JUDGE AND POLITICS.

A SENSATIONAL STATEMENT.

DENIAL OF PARTISANSHIP. BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.—COPYRIGHT. PER UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION. Received February 9, 9.55 a.m. LONDON, Feb. 8. Justice Sir W. Grantham created a sensation at the Liverpool Assizes by repudiating what he described as a charge of political partisanship arising out of his decision in±he Yarmouth election case in 1906. Scarcely a week since had passed, he said, without .his receiving threatening and insulting letters. He denied all partisanship and was astonished at the. accusation. PRESS VIEWS. Received Eebruary 9, 9.55 a.m. LONDON, Feb. 8. The 'Manchester Guardian' der ounces as offensive the "reference to political partisanship which colors the whole conception of Sir W. Grantham's judicial?, conduct." The 'Daily News' condemns the judge's incapacity of taking.a judicial view. The 'Chronicle' says: "Sir W. Grantham is unable to realise that a judge ' requires self-repression." I The 'Morning Leader' says: "The * natural unconscious bias of Sir W. Grantham is: a positive peril to. anyone tried for liberty or life." The 'Westminster Gazette' thinks the outburst is a swan song and is preliminary to retirement. PRIME MINISTER'S COMMENT. Received February 9, 11.10 a.m. LONDON, Feb. 8. j In the House of Commons Mr As-; quith (Prime Minister) in grave tones commented on Mr Justice.Grantham'B remarks at Liverpool, and.added that the House of Commons was scrupulous in censuring or even commenting on ' the judges but a reciprocal. obligation was expected.