THE COMMISSION OF THE PEACE.

Evening Star, Issue 2939, 20 July 1872, Page 3

THE COMMISSION OF THE PEACE.

11l au article on Justicea’ Justice as exemplified in New Zealand, the Post says : It is understood that Now Zealand boasts of at least twice as many Justices of the Peace as Victoria. Tn choosing them, not the slightest regard is ever paid to their fitness for the position to which they are called. A junior clerk, whose principal duties consist perhaps in copying letters, or making trivial entries in a book, is compelled to pass a stringent examination, and yet a man who is called upon to adjudicate upon most important matters, may be as ignorant as he choses, or as prejudiced and partial as it suits him to be. If it is necessary that the magic letters J.P. should he tacked to men’s names as a badge of honor like a red ribbon in a buttonhole, let it be clearly understood that the (hcorees arc honorary magistrates entirely, haring no power to sit, and let oniy men of character, intelligence, and standing in the community, bo allowed to assume functions which are of an onerous and responsible nature.