FIELDING AS MAGISTRATE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22102, 4 November 1933, Page 4

FIELDING AS MAGISTRATE

“Henry Fielding •/•'Novelist and Magistrate.” By B. M. Jones, Rf A., LL.B. Foreword by Mr Justice' du Parcq. London: Allen and Unwin. (12s 6d net.) •

Fielding’s activities as jurist and reformer are less widely, acknowledged than his merits as and, indeed, there is an impression, which the reading of "Tom Jones,” say, in the ordinary way does nothing to dissipate, that he was a somewhat irresponsible fellow of genius. His reputation as a, lawyer, suffered in his own day through his non-legal - pursuits, particularly‘ through the plays,, which were skittish, though, Mr Jones reminds us, directed .at the contemporary abuses of justice and packed with, knowledgeable legal references (which did not improve the Bar’s impassion of him): — The lawyer with a face demure _ Hangs him who steals your pelf;

Because the good , man can endure No robber blit himself. While Fielding’s virtues as a magistrate can make no difference to his reputation now, since there is no need to enhance it or divert attention from his literary works, this biography deserved to be written. It may be urged that it is hot necessary, since the Fielding who was an ardent social reformer is a minor character to Fielding the novelist, but one is made aware in reading it that, just as Dickens directed his. influence at the abuses of his time, so Fielding carried on his propaganda not alone in pamphlets and from the Bench, but in his novels. In fact, this study almost suggests that the novels were brought into being by the non-success of the minor Fielding in his chosen profession. When he was called to the Bar he was left more or less briefless, and it is interesting to speculate whether he. would ever have turned author, after his first essay as playwright, if his services as a lawyer had been appreciated. Mr Jones gives us a full and scholarly account of Fielding's by no means inconsiderable part in procuring the reform of the criminal law and administration, of his experience as magistrate, and his responsibility for the formation of the first detective.force in London. Since the relation of xhe novels to his .other labours is not forgotten, the book .need not appeal to the legal fraternity alone. The Author B. Maelor Jones took his degree at the University of Wales with distinction. He then studied law in London, and obtained his LL.B. there,. He is now a barrister-at-law of the Middle Temple, which Inn of Court claims the subject of his biography as one of its most distinguished sons. The publication of the work has been assisted by a grant from the University of London. J. M.