BANK RECORDS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 220, 18 August 1931, Page 3

BANK RECORDS.

PRODUCTION IN COURT QUES- ' TIONED. WANGANUI, Aug. 15. Whether a bank manager should divulge a confidential stock return given him by a farmer was a question decided by Mr Justice Blair in the Supreme Court yesterday. Tho point came before the Court when the manager of the Bank of New Zealand, Palmerston North, was giving evidence. Opposing counsel queried whether such evidence cpuld be asked of the witness. Counsel pointed out that under the Bankets’ Act it required an order of the Cpurt for the production of bank-books. The records of the bank, it was held, as between themselves and their clients, were part of those books which could thus not lie produced without the order of the Court. If the books and records could not be produced, that protection could not be overcome by asking a bank manager to come to Court and tell what was in tho.se/books. After referring to the law on the point His Honour said that the lawstated that (i banker could not be asked to produce his “books.” It was also stated by counsel that Phipson oiV Evidence made a statement about giving confidential information. But the point would not be pressed.. His Honour: I do not see bow- you can successfully press it. It looks as if there is no privilege at all. 1 think the manager will be compelled to give that information. Counsel: 1 am not asking the manager to disclose his client’s account. His Honour, to witness: It seems to mo that you have not the same privileges r/s a father confessor. But 1 appreciate your position. If I did object 1/ would know that counsel was frightened to have them produced. The law', as it is, is to stop the “books” or the ledgers of a bank being hawked about the country, perhaps to stay hero for the best part of a week, thus holding lip the bank’s business. Tile question was put, and the witness replied.