PRIVY COUNCIL

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 17175, 27 October 1926, Page 11

PRIVY COUNCIL

A GREAT TRIBUNAL NEW ZEALANDER'S IMPRESSION "There is a feeling in some pnrt.s of the Empire that the Privy Council should be abolished, but I am convinced that it would be disastrous if that were done." This was one of the remarks made in an interview by Mr. Maurice Gresson, a well-known Christchurch barrister, who has returned from England, where he appeared in two cases before the Privy Council. "Til the Council one gets the cream of English lawyers," said Mr. Gresson, "and they arc so far from the sccno of litigation that the matters beforo them arc viewed with the necessary judicial calm." Mr. Gresson was impressed by the simplicity of the Privy Council. "Although it is the highest Court of Appeal in the world," ho said, "it sits under circumstances, quite lacking in pomp. It is just a committee in a large square room. Thcro is no formal luncheon adjournment, but the Court rises at 1.30 and may resume again at any time. One just gets a chop from the usher if possible." Before the Council few cases wore ever cited and most of the arguments there were about principle - alone. There was an increased number of appeals coming before the Council, Indian cases being particularly plentiful. Five members of the Council heard the appeals, and sometimes there, was so much work to be, dealt with that it was necessary to have members of the English Court of Appeal assisting with casts which had come before the Council for decision. "No one can fail to be impressed with the weight which ought rightfully to be attached to the decisions of the Council," said Mr. Gresson. For three months Mr. Gresson did not let a day go by without seeing something of the English Courts. He said that the administration of justice generally was wonderful.. The work was not done quickly, but it was done- smoothly. There was great pressure of work, and the Judges themselves it would bo impertinent ,to praise. • '