POLICE METHODS.

NZ Truth, Issue 604, 13 January 1917, Page 8

POLICE METHODS.

Dear "Truth," — Occasionally, more with a desire to observe the methods of administering even-handed justice, or, m some cases, the reverse, one wanders into one of our courts, preferably the Magistrate's Court. Certainly not with the object of witnessing the pitiable parade of social wrecks whose main cjrlme often seems to be either a lack of influential friends or the wherewithal to fee a lawyer. It was on one of these occasions recently, In the Wellington S.M. Court that/ 1 witnessed .what appears to me as gross unfairness to an over-night llbatlbnist The man was charged with drunkenness, and pleaded guilty. No complications were stated, but plain garden variety of drunk. It was admitted by tho prosecuting police officer that ,the man was a statutory first offender— as tho Police Offences Act allows a six months Interval m between drunks as a reasonable time obviating penalising for a second offence. But tho zealous officer hunted up a previous conviction of twelve months before and hurled that at the unfortunate prisoner, with the result that the Beak promptly seised upon this offence, not contemplated by the legislature under the circumstances to be taken into consideration, and fined the man the full penalty provided by the legislature of 20s. As all the other first offenders were "convicted and discharged," Obviously the Beak reckpned the legislature didn't know its duty when It framed the provision of Blxinontha Interval between drunks, and «ne proseouting polloe officer concurred. It Is only one of tho incidents of tho "people's courts" (which apparently means tho vehicle for their lnoarceration), that could be multiplied by many In the courso of tho writer's casual visits, but It sets one thinking whether a Parliament m worth paying wages to which has its intentions tlouted by those entrusted with tho work of carrying them out. — Yours, etc.,

"CONSISTENCY."

Wellington