JUDGES AND COMMISSIONS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1130, 18 May 1911, Page 4

JUDGES AND COMMISSIONS.

MR, FOWLDS REPLIES TO MR. ALLEN. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.:' Auckland, May 17. In the courso of his speech at l'ukekohe this evening, the Hon. Goo. Powlds replied to the remarks recently made by Mr. James Allen. AM'., suggesting that magistrates and Judges of tho Supremo Court might, perhaps, unconsciously bo influenced by the fact that they wero employed by the Government to act on Royal Commissions. 'The latest, method of reviling Hie Government," said Mr. Fowlds, "has been adopted by Mr. Allen in tho form of an attack upon the judicial bench. This attack reveals tlic true Tammany spirittrying to discredit one of the most sacred institutions of the country. 1 think I am using extremely moderate language when I say that it Shows exceedingly bad taste for Mr. Allen, or for any other leading member of the Opposition, to make an attack upon the Supremo Court Judges of this country. What is the supposed justification for this very serious accusation? It is that certain Judges and havo been aiiiwmted to, act onlloval Commissions, ami havo received pavme'nt for special services rendered in connection therewith. Tho law authorising tho appointment of Supreme Court Judges as commissioners was passed before the Ward Government took office, and if "IV memory serves me arisht, I have heart Mr. Jl»«ay hjmielf fdvoeatin" a commission of inquiry to be conducted by-Judges of the Supreme Court. The inputation that tho Judges .or magistrate! o? this country would be influenced in tho slightest degree by paltry pyment pro ided for such special work is aTi Miflt to the Bench ana discreditable to those making the accusation.