JUSTICES MEET

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 49, 5 March 1946, Page 5

JUSTICES MEET

COMPLIMENTARY SOCIAL SUPPER

VISIT FROM DOMINION PRESIDENT

A general meeting of Justices, of the Bay of Plenty Justices Association, in order that members might be enabled to meet Mr J. B. Paterson, President of the Dominion Federation of Associations, took place at the Commercial Hotel on Thursday evening, when some twenty-four members and guests, from Opotiki, Whakatane, Te Puke, Tauranga, and Katikati were entertained to a social supper. Hon. B. C. Robbins' M.L.C. (Tauranga) presided. In his opening remarks, the chairman introduced Mr Paterson saying that this was the first occasion upon which the Bay of Plenty had received a visit from the Dominion Federation President, and it was something of an honour for Whakatane,. that it should have been chosen as the venue of the convention. He welcomed all visitors, particularly those representing the legal profession, and trusted that the evening would be both interesting and informative. Mr G. A. Brabant then read a number of apologies, including one from Mr W. Sullivan, M.P. “It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to Whakatane this evening, particularly those of you who have come a long distance,” said His Worship the Mayor, Mr B. S. Barry,, in extending greetings to the visitors. “We feel it an honour to have Mr Paterson with us tonight, particularly as we all realise the great amount of work he has done for the Justices of the Peace movement, but what could be more natural than that the Executive should choose for this occasion the town of Whakatane, capital of the Province?” (Applause). Continuing, he said that he realised the great amount of work J.P.s performed with no remuneration whatsoever, and that even though much of it was often not appreciated, it was a work essential to the wellbeing of any community. Mr Robins then introduced Mr Paterson, main speaker, who addressed the gathering. “It is to me, a great pleasure to come here this evening,” he said, “and to have the opportunity of meeting members of the Bay of Plenty Association. I trust that my talk tonight will be of some assistance to you in your work as Justices of the Peace.”

His address consisted mainly of the various duties which a J.P. might be called upon to perform, and hints and advice on the work in general. He touched briefly upon the subjects of documents which might need to be signed, work on the Bench, night search warrants, bonds, suppression of names, children’s court cases, civil cases, prohibition orders,, and the importance of the taking of the oath, and concluded with a short talk on the work which he himself was- called upon to perform in Auckland. An interesting point mentioned was the fact that the Auckland Association consisted of almost one-third of the Justices of New Zealand, who number 6000. Supper was then served, and the following toast list honoured: ‘Loyal Toast, Mr B. C. Robins; ‘The Federation and Mr Paterson, Messrs. B. C.' Robins and J. B. Paterson; ‘The Bay of Plenty Association’/ Messrs. L. Buddie and J. B. McKinney; ‘The Visitors’ Mr L. Brown and Messrs. Moody (Opotiki), Washer (Te Puke) & Maunted (Tauranga); ‘The Hosts’ Messrs. Cuff (Te Puke), and G. A. Brabant; ‘The Chairman’ Mr B. C. Robins and Mr Moody (Taneatua); ‘The Press’ Messrs. B. C. Robins and G. W. West.