LATE MR J. W. POYNTON

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19159, 16 November 1927, Page 5

LATE MR J. W. POYNTON

TRIBUTE FROM BENCH AND LEGAL PROFESSION. [THE FKSSS Special Service.] AUCKLAND, November 15. A representative gathering of members of the Bench, the legal profes-, sion, and the v police force was held at the Magistrate's Court this morning, when tributes were paid to the memory of the late Mr Joseph William Poynton, 0.8. E., S.M., whose death occurred on Sunday. • The gathering was presided over by Mr E. C. Cutteu, S.M., Senior Magistrate at Auckland, and associated with him were Messrs F. K. Hunt, S.M., and TV. R. McKean, S.M. The Auckland Law Society was officially represented by its president! Mr J. B. Johnston. When the Magistrates ascended the Bench. Mr Johnston asked- leave that before the business of the Court was commenced, he might make reference to the niemon of Mr Poynton. Despite his illness, Mr Poynton had remained in harness. The gallant fight which he had for many years waged was characteristic of the man. His career had been marked by a gentlemanly courtesv and sense of duty. Mr Cutten,'on behalf of himself and his fellow Magistrates, paid tribute to the memorv of Mr Poynton. "In tho death of Mr Poynton, 1 ' he continued, "the Magistrates have lost an esteemed colleague. He was of a most kindly nature, an indefatigable worker, and tie had profound knowledge upon scientific and practical matters. We shail miss his ever ready willingness to do anv work that was to be done. He will be missed in the community for reasons other than the loss of his work As a Slagistrnte he took an interest .n anything he deemed to he for the community's welfare. He accepted invitations to use his wide range of knowledge and to give addresses whenever asked. Mr Poynton never had an un kind word to sa-, about anyone. He had a high sense of duty and these qualities, combined with an enquiring and active mind, enabled him. without the aid of wealth, to lift himself to th« position he held at his death, and earned for him the appreciative respect of bis fellow men." The Court - then adiourned for a quarter of an hour, before proceeding with the morning's business.