Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 1892. Election of Justices.

Manawatu Herald, 18 June 1892, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 1892. Election of Justices.

If anything further was ■wanted to prove how unsatisfactory the popular election of Justices would be, as desired by Sir George Grey, and secretly hankered after by the present government, we have only to turn to tbe reports received about the various Licensing Committees. From north to south, whichever way the committees act their conduct is assailed. The movement has extended beyond newspaper correspondence, it is now thought advisable by a section of ratepayers in Waug.mui to call a public meeting to condemn certain members who were named. The public who talto part in such pro-

ceedings evidently believe that the members are to be influenced by such actions, otherwise they wo;; 1^ hardly take the trouble to "promote s "<?h gatherings. If, therefore* eitcted members of Licensing Com roittees are supposed to be influenced by public feeling, why slioulu not elected Justices of the Peace be ? Any action which placed the administration of the law in the hands of those interested in holding such positions at the will of the public, would be practically placing the decisions in the power of hlob law, which we cannot believe any thinking person can desire. The theory may be excellent, but the practise would be bad, and we suggest the incapacity of the members of the Licensing Committees to please, as a vary fair instance. The case at Hunterville where the government acted upon the result of an absurd election of Justices, shows their leaning towards Sir George Grey's proposals, and it is likely that more will be heard of this action when the House meets.