JUDICIAL REPORTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22390, 9 April 1936, Page 13

JUDICIAL REPORTS

RESTRICTING PUBLICITY PROPOSED LEGISLATION FAR-REACHING PROVISIONS [BY TELEGRAPH—SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Wednesday Restrictions on the publication of certain details in divorce and other judicial proceedings and of unauthorised photographs or drawings of persons engaged in those proceedings are to be enforced under the Judicial Reports lias been introduced in the Houso of Representatives by ' tho Attorney-General, the Hon. li. G. R. Mason. Copies of the bill were circulated to-day.

Tho bill definitely regulates the extent of reports 0:11 divorce proceedings or on the making of orders, under tho Destitute Persons Act. Except with the authority in writing of tho presiding Judge or magistrate, reports relating to proceedings for dissolution of marriage, nullity of marriage, judicial separation, restitution of conjugal rights, or for affiliation, maintenance, separation or guardianship orders under the Destitute Persons Act must be restricted to tho following details: — Names, address and descriptions of parties and witnesses and of solicitors and counsel; a concise statement of the charges, defences * and countercharges in support of which evidence has beeu given; submissions on any point of law and the decision of the Court; the summing up of the Judge and the finding of the jury; the judgment of the Court and any observations of tho Judge or magistrate in giving judgment. The provision with regard to the publication of photographs or drawings is more sweeping. Unless authority is obtained from the Judge or magistrate there is a complete prohibition against tho publication, or the procuring for publication, of any photograph, drawing, caricature or other representation of any person who is a party to or witness in the proceedings, or of any juror. This clause applies to any judicial proceedings, whether criminal or civil. Tho prohibition regarding photographs does not apply to any official action taken by the police. Another clause deals specifically with poisoning publication of the* name of any poison, or other similar substance, in murder or suicide cases will be This provision also, prohibits any description by which the poison could be identified. The authority of the Judge or magistrate, however, can render lawful the publication of these details. Prosecutions for offences under the bill can be instituted with tho consent of the Attorney-General Maximum penalties for the contravention of the provisions of the bill are fixed at two months' imprisonment or a fine of £250.

THE FORMER SPEAKER * FIRST SPEECH FOR 13 YEARS SIR C. STATHAM IN COUNCIL [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Wednesday By making a brief contribution to the second reading debate on the Reserve Bank Amendment Bill in the Legislative Council to-day Sir Charles Statbam (Wellington) made, his first speech in a Parliamentary debate for a period of 13 years. During that term he was Speaker of the House of Representatives and took no part in its deliberations other than carrying out the duties of an impartial chairman. Before speaking on the- bill Sir Charles referred to his appointment to the Council. "I would like to say that on my appointment no stipulations were made," he said. "The Government paid me the graceful compliment of leaving me free to vote as I pleased." Sir Charles added that he agreed with the Leader of the Council, Hon. M. Fagan, that the bill in question was a policy measure and it was no part of the duty of the Council to obstruct the policy of the Government of the day. At the same time there was no reason why members should not exercise their privilege of criticism wher<> this was considered advisable.