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Hokitika Guardian, 6 March 1925, Page 2

The movement from time to time to interfere with established institutions here, wa.s brought to notice this week bv the the sub rosa attempt to close the Supreme Court. The matter was brought to light quite accidentally, nr the promptness of the deputation to wait on'the Minister of Justice revealed the fact that the suggestion had been under preliminary consideration. The Government, prompted front one source or another, is prone to attempt pin-pricks on this community which will he strongly resented if fair consideration is not given to the local circumstances. In relation to the Supreme Court matter, the Court and all its machinery is established here already. The expense to the State involved is therefore immaterial, but it is important to litigants whether their actions can be heard in their home town where counsel reside, or they and their witnesses and legal advisers have to proceed some distance from honfe and spend an indefinite time before their case is heard. Fortunately there is not a great deal of criminal business here and that of course is in itself an

advantage to the State in more ways than one; hut when there are such eases we believe we are correct in stating that the authorities have confidence in the fairness of the juries before whom the cases must go. And this recommendation applies also in regard to civil actions involving damages—a. fair and just consideration is giveit to the facts of the case, irrespective of prejudices, or personal leanings. Here, too, the Court serves a lengthy district stretching to the far south, which has its whole community of interest with Hokitika as the natural centre for the transaction of the public business. To cause the closing of the local sittings and necessitate litigants going elsewhere, would do a public injustice, without effecting an economical saving. The traditions of the town in connection with Supreme Court work go hack to the earliest days of the Coast, and the reputation of bar and jury has stood at the highest always in regard to the course of justice. It would not he advisable to break those traditions now because of some visionary idea. Rather should the Government, he disposed to leave well alone, and appreciating the good work oi a, local community so recognise established local institutions that they will he safeguarded rather than he placed in insecurity. It is for the Government to show confidence in the people and retain their goodwill, rather than seek to antagonise them by an overt action which is not justified by the facts nor in the best interests oi the proper i-our.su oi justice.

Tin-', early and unfavorable change in the weather gives promise of the lootball season arrising in advance of the usual time. Football is now so essentially the national sport of our Dominion,' and has reflected such a halo around our Island home, that all pails of New Zealand will lie striving to keep up the wonderful reputation our players have made for themselves. Westland will he keen to do its part, and it is worth while reflecting on possible tilings to do to help the district doing letter now and for the future than it has done in the last. The system as in vogue of late has had its diavbacks, and it would not he amiss to call :; n carlv meeting of club representatives and followers of the sport generally to decide what better scheme might be devised. Perhaps the initial course would ho for the Sub-Union to meet and consider the matter. ami later present to the footballers as a whole and any supporters of the game, a report covering any amendments it might be advisable to bring forward. Ex-pb'yors '-""hi •«' very !lt this stage in laying the Inundation and advising as to possibilities. There have keen shortcomings which did not assist to help tne game as much ; might have been. Town football, lor instance, suffered because of too much division of players, so that really Hokitika lost its civic identity. A scheme might he devised to avoid that. Ctmntyy football suffered because of overmuch travelling hut that could he corrected no doubt. The Union management is impo: iant. and as the control must necessarily he largely central, it should he a point that it is thoroughly impartial. On that account it might be advisable to secure the practical su| port of more ex-players in the management side, ami remove the le.it id , )nb or town partisanship. The control of the game is another essential matU’i\ hut good rt*loroi\s uro scarce. Control per medium of a Relorecs Association should he the most impartial, providing partisanship H eliminated. Altogether there are several phases oi the matter which would he worthwhile and which should he taken up betimes so that the management would lie in good working order before the approaching season is upon us. It would he quite worth while the Union meeting at m earlv dale to discuss preliminaries.