OVERWORKED JUDGES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 31, 6 February 1935, Page 7

OVERWORKED JUDGES

COURT CASES POSTPONED. LIBERTY OF SUBJECT INVOLVED. ( Per P’-ess Association ). PALMERSTON N., Feb. 5. “It is a fundamental part of the traditions of the British judiciary that criminal cases should never be post poned unless the necessity for fkis is unavoidable, because every person charged is deemed innocent until proved guilty, consequently liberty of tho subject is involved. It is part of our system that a person should not be kept in custody or be on bail in suspense for any longer period than is necessary.” These observations were made by tho Chief Justice, Sir Michael Myers, in the Supreme Court in referring to the necessity for breaking up the session at Palmerston owing to his having to return to Wellington, where, ho said, a difficulty had arisen in that all the criminal cases there will not be disposed of this week and there will not otherwise he a Judge available to take them next week. His Honor said he regretted that he won id not be able to deal with the whole of tho work here in a continuous sitting, hut the delay would not be lengthy. Ho would see that no inconvenience was caused to litigants, witnesses, or counsel.