Postmasters J.P.'S.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, 16 March 1891, Page 2

Postmasters J.P.'S.

In the last Gazette appears a notice of another postmaster having been appointed a J.P. to take declarations, &c, but apparently not to exercise the powers conferred by Act upon those who, not belonging to the Public Service, are so gazetted. This arrangement is one that must give convenience to the public and should therefore be encouraged, and it certainly strengthens our contention as to the necessity of making some distinction between the Justices who hear cases and those who act simply as these J .P. postmasters, and witness signatures. Among many of our esteemed settlers the appointment of J.P. is accepted under the idea that all that will be required of them is to do this attesting business, and they take no steps to qualify themselves for judicial work, and thus, when called upon to sit, the results are most unfortunate for both judge and prisoner. We believe the change would be hailed with pleasure by a very large number now holding commissions. Some such classification would prevent much friction, and would tend much to ease the work of our Resident Magistrates. In this district we are sure the Resident Magistrate has a difficulty in getting a bench to hear small cases, when he may be unable to attend, though the country is simply dotted with those who can sign themselves J.P. We do not desire to be thought as writing against the settlers so appointed, as it is the very reverse, a long experience having shown us that the Justices do not, in a very large number of cases, take any interest in acquiring a proper knowledge of their duties, and therefore do not desire to be called on to fulfill them, and thus the district is placed in the position of having plenty of Justices but no bench. We seem to be drifting nearer to the right path, and therefore have hope that before long some definite proposals will be made.