COURTS AND LEGAL ADVICE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20244, 2 May 1929, Page 16

COURTS AND LEGAL ADVICE.

Sir, —Reference was made recently to a case which camo beforo tho Court at Wanganui where a man sought guidance as to dealing with a married son who had quartered himself in the paternal home — an unwanted guest. "Turn him out; you are not obliged to keep him," said Mr. J. H. Salmon, S.M. Obviously ho could say nothing else, in tho circumstances, but the dictum was qualified by the magistrate adding: "I am not here to give legal advice; your own common sense will tell you that you are not obliged to keep your son." 1 was unaware that tho common service of the English police bench, in giving advice to poor people upon simple points of law was not available in New Zealand. It certainly should be. Where elso can a poor person go ? Anyone who has listened to the proceedings in London Police Courts, particularly in the poorer districts, must have been impressed by the ready and kindly helpfulness of the magistrates, in the numerous applications made to them. Mr. Cairns, who presided in many Courts, and Commissioner Kerr, of the Guildhall Court, are notable instances of the service rendered by "the poor man's lawyer," as these kindly gentlemen arc often called. If Mr. Salmon is correctly reported I would urge that the position here needs prompt amendment. One of those famous Orders-in-Council would, for once in a way, be appropriate and, I make no doubt, would be distinguished from many of them by exciting no adverse criticism. John Russell Rhode.