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HIGH TRIBUTE PAID

TO MR W. MELDRUM

HIS RETIREMENT THIS YEAR

Fitting evidence of the esteem and affection in which he is held by the community at large was in evidence at the Hokitika Magistrate’s Court when an official farewell was tendered to Mr IV. Meldrum, S.M., who is retiring ac the end of this month, after holding office as Magistrate and Warden of the West Coast circuit for eleven years. . •

Mr ;R. Twyneham, president of the Canterbury Law Society, who was in 'Hokitika in connection with a case heard that day, said it was by a particularly lucky chance that he happened to be present to express appreciation of what Mr Meldrum had done, and the affection with which he was regarded by the people.. He sincerely regretted it wa s ‘Mr Meldrum’s last day her© as Magistrate. It was fitting that a Canterbury man should be present to pay tribute to him, as the members of the Bar had come in touch with him in Christchurch during his short term of office there.

“Your distinguished military career.” said Mr Twyneham, “must have been of value to you in carrying out your high office, and bias given you the gift of sympathy. We are more than sorry you are retiring. However, you' are retiring from office at a time which we regard in you as your prime, and you have the opportunity, the capacity, and ability to enjoy your well-earned leisure.”

Mr Tracey, of Christchu r ch, said that Mr Meldrum had thoroughly endeared himself to the public, and, on behalf of the members of the Bar in Christchurch, he hoped he would long be spared to enjoy his retirement. Mr J. A. Murdoch said he had been at farewells to a number of gentlemen in high positions, but he had' never had a more profound feeling of regret than he had to-da.V. It was well,.indeed, that magistrates should be picked Horn experienced legal practitioners, as Mr Meldrum was eminently suited for tho high position' he held. The duties of Magistrate and Warden of the district imposed great duties on his shoulders, especially in mining matters, as his activities extended from Kar'amea to Okarito. In all the court* Mr Meldrum had presided over, icontinued Mr Murdoch, he had had difficult of law to deal with, sometimes entailing from fifty to sixty matters a day, and cr>ly on a few occasions had his decision been upset. It must give him much satisfaction to know that bis decisions had been generally accepted. In parting to-day, we feel that in our sympathetic and kindlv Magistrate and Warden we are losing a -friend. He had set a hiah standard which would bo very difficult to follow, Sergeant C. J. . King assured Mr Meldrum that he had the great esteem of the police in this district, as well as dn {'Grevm*mth jaud elsewhere. “I can say this, that .at any time when we have brought cases before you, both sides have had a fair hearing.' Your decisions have been with mercy, and nobody i C an ever say they have not had, a fair spin. Mr C. J- P- Sellers said that Mr Meldrum’s decisions had always been accepted without qualifications. He marvelled at the patience with which he had dealt with questions. He had not said anything, but he must havo thought a lot at times. He assured Mr Meldrum fhit he held the affection of the professions *s well as the public. Mr A l R. El cock said there were two occasions on which he had. been sorry to appear . before Mr Meldrum. The first was when he had his firs mining application, which he had taken over only on last minute instructions, and the other occasion was wished him long life and prosperity. Members of the T r. Court and public rose to their feet when (Mr Meldrum started to reply, but, he was so touched by th.o sincere expressions of affection and high esteem that )t| was some little time before he could find voice to express in simple terms his 'feelings. He said it would be the hardest thing he had ever done in his life —giving up the work. which e Joved! It had been exceedingly ple"S----g, and made as light as possible by tW invaridiblte courtesy I.? 'M ™- c . lived from the members of the B*r. and .also from the Court officials. He had never had a personal disagreement with any member, nor had be ever been shown any discourtesy. He had always endeavoured to give everybody, w matter who they were, a fair and impartial hearing. A magistrate, h. id, was sworn in to give justice Without fear or favour, and one who did that could not go fay wrong in the mdministrfition of iustice. The kind words expressed had been much appreciated.

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/HOG19331216.2.36

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

Hokitika Guardian, 16 December 1933, Page 5

Word count
Tapeke kupu
808

HIGH TRIBUTE PAID Hokitika Guardian, 16 December 1933, Page 5

HIGH TRIBUTE PAID Hokitika Guardian, 16 December 1933, Page 5

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