Sta,—The reforms embodied in Mr. Petherick's Bill are mainly the
result of persistent criticism of Police Court matri- monial jurisdiction by writers and other members of the public. The actual parties to these proceedings are normally inarticulate about their wrongs. If the restrictions on Press reporting and attendance by the public contained in the Bill become law this healthy and independent criticism will cease, as only those who have some personal interest, professional or otherwise, in the cases will have any certain knowledge of what goes on.
It has been frequently stated that since the Judicial Pro- ceedings (Regulation of Reports) Act, 1926, , the conduct of cases in the Divorce Court by counsel and others has markedly declined in tone. Some check on this statement and other matters connected with the Divorce Court is possible by personal attendance, but even that will be impossible at Police Courts if the Bill becomes law, and Courts whose general conduct is constantly the subject of adverse criticism in the Press will obtain an even greater degree of immunity from the correcting influence of public opinion in a more important branch of law than the High Court.—Youts faithfully, - Hotel Belvedere, Bedford Square, Brighton. ALEC CRAIG,
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