MR W. MELDRUM

Hokitika Guardian, 20 December 1933, Page 6

MR W. MELDRUM

GREYMOUTH TRIBUTE PAID

' •Further 'fitting reference to Ins lngh and admirable qualities, and the esteem and affection in which he is held by all was made to Mr W. Meldrum, by niembers of the Bar and the police, at .the Magistrate’s Court, Greymouth, on Mondlaly, jit being the lost occlusion on which he will preside in his official capacity as ■ Magistrate and Waiden prior to his-'retirement- at the end of this yekr: Replying Air Meldruhi said: “I feel in leaving I have at least earned your approval of what 1 have done, 1 have. at all times lelt sorry for .the under- ■ dog. Even the worst criminal has some good in him, and, when dealing with s first offenders,.! felt my duty was to. give them another chance; rather than: •to- give them - a push downhill. My experience of men at the front lias ’helped me to understand human mat-, lire.. My war experiences helped me exceedingly. Mein, who .in peace 1 were }| .careless in their conduct, when up against ft at the front, proved they were men. That experience lias always caused me to treat ‘with every consideration those who ‘have made mistakes. ' I have always had great assistance from members of tbe ‘Bar, and they ' have always treated liie with the.greatest courtesy". This district, has been most interesting. I have refused offers' to go else-' where because I like the West Coast and its.-people. ; y No district in New Zealand 1 has a greater variety of work, •and that has helped to make it interesting. lam very sorry lam giving up work. I do not feel 1 am done yet-. I thank .you for . your appreciative .references. to.ymy work •; qiid .foi; your expressions of goodwill and esteem. I desire, also, to thank the staff, who have proved themselves exceedingly capable, efficient amf willing.” Referring to his dealings wfth members of the West Coast Police Force, Mr Meldrum said they were ; aii' : exceedingly capable and just -body of-mien; “I have never had any evidence of a vindictive nature pre-, serried by the police in this Court,” he added. “They have ’been exceedingly' just, and of considerable help to me in my work.”