ONE STANDARD IN LAW.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16897, 9 July 1918, Page 4

ONE STANDARD IN LAW.

J NO DISTINCTION BETWEEN SEXES,) [BY TELEGRAPH.OWN CORRESPONDENT.] | WELLINGTON, Monday. J As a result, of the agitation aroused overt the Kelburne raid case, and numerouij l allegations that the law treats women differently from men in such matters, ths Hon. T. M. Wilford, Minister for Justices' referred the matter to the Commissioner of Police, and the latter's report to thq-Solicitor-General. These reports have now been published in a statement by th& Minister, who says that, in view of their clearness, no comments by him are needed. The Solicitor-General, in reviewing the remarks of the commissioner, states definitely that, in his opinion, the exist? ing law as to disorderly houses makes nO difference between men and women. He" 6ays that both men and women aro equally liable to prosecution for any of th» < offences defined by the War Regulations) He explains that the mere act of resort? ing to a disorderly house is not in itself sufficient to constitute the offeree of aiding or abetting any offence against thy regulations, but, if such conduct is ftß offence, both the man and the woman are ;; equally liable to prosecution for itjf| Similar observations apply to the pre*:: visions relating to disorderly houses in; the Justices of the Peace Act. &\1 t r — m'