A DISSATISFIED MAGISTRATE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3743, 26 January 1907, Page 3

A DISSATISFIED MAGISTRATE.

No-License Troubles. AsmiuuTON, Jan. 25At tlie Magistrate’s Court to-day Captain. Wray, S. M., stated that that would be the last occasion on which he would preside. Since no-lieense came into force he had been subjected to a good deal of criticism by a section of the community, who said lie had treated offenders under the licensing laws with undue leniency, and on these grounds they had petitioned the Government for his removal, lie had furnished reports on these allegations, and had been officially informed that no reason had been shown for his removal. He thought that criticisms of this sort would impair His usefulness as a Magistrate, and’he had asked to

be relieved of the dut} r of presiding in the Ashburton Court. The request had been granted, the Magistrate’s duties in Canterbury had been rearranged, and Mr Y. Day. S.M., would in future sit at Ashburton and Eakaia. Mr Purnell, solicitor, on behalf of the Bar, expressed regret at the information, Members of the Bar had not sympathised with the petition, and had voluntarily written to the Minister of Justice stating so. Captain AVTay had always exercised great impartiality, not only in the ease referred to but in every other ease as well.