A LEGAL PUZZLE.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VI, Issue 1588, 17 March 1919, Page 6

A LEGAL PUZZLE.

CHARGE AGAINST PARENTS

Press Association. AUCKLAND, March 16. The ense of William Reyland and Elizabeth Kcyland, who were previously before the Supreme Court, having pleaded guilty before a magistrate to a charge of withholding necessaries of life from their son Frank, an imbecile again came before Mr Justice Hoskiug yesterday. On the previous occasion the Judgi had said that from reading the deposi tions he was not satisfied that th plea of guilty was justified. Legal argii ment took place yesterday as to whethe the law permitted a plea to be alterc or withdrawn. His Honour said the point was d important one and had caused judge anxiety in the past. It might, pe haps, be a wise course to pass no se tence and to let matters stand. would be a peculiar proceeding if ; ' cased were sent to prison for an off en i which was not supported by facts. Counsel formally moved to have tl. committal for sentence quashed, an outlined the facts of the case. He ani there were no signs of ill-treatment ai that the son was well nourished. H:i full investigations been made at tl time the, present proceedings won never have been commenced. Witnesses were called to show th; the son was treated in the same wr as other members of the family. The Judge adjourned the case i give the constable concerned an oppo tunity of being present. He woui consult his brother judges on the leg: points raised when the Court of Appe; sat.