PEACE JUSTICES

Hokitika Guardian, 13 July 1933, Page 5

PEACE JUSTICES

NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS

COMMENT BY THE GOVERNOR

(Per Press Association-Copyright)

AUCKLAND, July 12.

Referring to the agitation to obtain wider powers for Justices of the Peace at the annual social -of the Auckland Justices of tbe Peace Association, the Governor-General said: “It is not for me to attempt to reflect, the views of the hut I cannot help thinking, if you will let me say so, that the surest way of realising this laudible ambition is to take every step in your power to prevent unworthy people joining your ranks.

“If the office of Justice of Peace is to be held in high honour and repute, it is important that it be restricted .to men and women who have clean lives and upright characters, who have, a reasonable standard of education, a good knowledge of the world and their -fellow countrymen, and judgment that can be relied upon to be sound, fair and unprejudiced. “If you can manage t ( > prevent those who have not those qualifications from entering your ranks you will do-much to raise the prestige of this organisation, and as the population of this .country increases, the Government will be bound to delegate more responsible duties to you than you at present, enjoy From what I know of efficiency of those who belong to your Association, I am perfectly certain that when that- time comes, s'udi coniidoncc 'wilt bo justified.” -

J,ord Bledisloc also reformed to the proposal to appoint women police in New Zealand. “Jt might be well,” he commented, “t-o see for a little longer Grow the system of women police works in much more populous countries than yours before you embark on this course.”