Poor Litigants.

The learned author has dealt with the problem of the poor litigant in a most fair manner. He has outlined the various forms of assistance given in England; he has shown that many members of the Bar are prepared to act for the poor; but he has shown also how the initial disadvantages of poverty will always prevent the poorer classes from entering the Courts on an equal footing with a wealthy opponent. If this is so in England, how much more is it so in New Zealand, where no provision whatever is made for the poor as regards civil litigation. It is true that the high standard of ethics prevailing in New Zealand will rarely result in a pauper who has a genuine cause of action receiving no legal assistance, but does this ensure equality? The render has only to pause for a moment to consider the case of a wealthy corporation, advised by the leaders of the Bar, delaying and prolonging an action, while the worker, no longer able to work, is slowly reaching starvation line: in desperation he finally settles for a small sum of ready money: the case never reaches the Court and the name of the Corporation is saved—and the question is answered. In these days of far apart sittings of the Arbitration Court, has not many a settlement been forced because a worker cannot live until his claim may be heard? Much food for thought is provided for the reader in connection with poor litigants.

The most interesting and striking feature of this book is the author's treatment of what may be called his theme. It is that those responsible for the administration of the law—Judges, Magistrates, Barristers and Officers of the Court—cannot and never will appreciate, the viewpoint and psychology of the lower classes, it is admitted that the majority of lawyers strive to overcome this defect; that sons of the poor may rise to judicial eminence; that many of the judges try to understand the workings of the lower social order. Nevertheless it seems that the lengthy legal training involved, the years spent in mixing with and catering to the needs of the higher classes, create an attitude of mind which is forgetful of and incapable or understanding the problems of the working class.