THE GLOBE. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 1880.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2023, 18 August 1880, Page 2

THE GLOBE. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 1880.

We are glad to notice that the subject of the establishment of a Mayor's Court is being taken up practically by the City Council. A notice of motion was given at last meeting by Cr. Hulbert, which if carried —as there is every probability it will be —stamps tho project with the approval of the representatives of the citizens. More than this, it will show on the part of those from whom it is most likely tho Mayor will bo selected, a disposition and a willingness to undertake the extra amount of work entailed by tho Mayor's Court. So far as could be gathered from tho remarks of the various Councillors who spoke on the subject, there was no idea of opposition in suggesting the postponement. It was simply to enable the public to see what the Council intended to do, and if they thought fit, express their opinion thereon. We hope to see tho matter carried even still further, and the verdict of the public taken by a meeting called to consider the advisableness or otherwise of the establishment here of a Mayor's Court. It is only right that, in a matter which so nearly concerns them, the public should have a chance of making their views known. The establishment of such a Court as is now proposed will save business and professional men, as well as the public generally, a large amount of time, which is now wasted daily by tho inability of a single magistrate to overtake the fast-increasing business of the Lower Court here. The very cases—as wo have already pointed out—which will be dealt with in the Mayor's Court are those that every day waste hours of public time. With these cases removed from hie list, the Resident Magistrate will have more ample time to devote to the hearing of graver offences, and also be enabled to dispose of civil cases far more expeditiously than now. This being the case, and the public being principally interested, it is only right that an opportunity should be afforded them of expressing their opinion. If it is in favour of the project, then the hands of those who think with us, that this is the best way of meeting tho difficulty, will be strengthened. If contrary, no doubt some very good reasons will be adduced which may throw more light on tho matter than we have now. Wo should like to point out that such a course would in no way reflect upon, or be taken as opposed to, the decision of the Justices at the late meeting. That decision we submit cannot be taken into account at all. The Government say distinctly that some assistance must be given to the Resident Magistrate, but it must not cost the country anything. The establishment of a Mayor's Court just meets this. Its cost will be but small, and it will be a public convenience. Therefore wo say as a means of assisting tho Government in the present difficulty, it is tho course of all others which should bo adopted. We trust, that not only will Councillor Hulbert's motion be carried, but that this will be followad up by a public meeting of citizens convened to consider the question. As to the result of such a meeting we fancy there can hardly be two opinions.