Local Courts Bill.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 4, Issue 183, 10 July 1883, Page 2

Local Courts Bill.

(herald correspondent.) I hear that the Judges and the. Government are at loggerheads over tho Local Courts Bill, the design of which is to amalgamate the District and Ee-i* dene Magistrate's Courts and augment the ordinar7 work of the Supreme Courts. The Judges are averse to an increase of work,- and favor the elevation of the Supreme Courts to the position of Courts of Appeal. The Local Courts Bill, which abolishes District and K.M. Courts, contains 314 clauses, and comes iuto force on January Ist 1884. Judges must he R.M.s ; barristers and solicitors are appointed by, and hold office at, the pleasure of the Governor, Parliament fixing salaries ; ordinary Jurisdiction includes breaches of contract, recovery of loan and moveable property m interpleader, where the amount does not exceed £50. Extended jurisdiction embraces debts, partnership disputes, legacy, and injunctions up to £200. Supreme Court Judges may delegate powers, without Judges who may be authorised to deal with letters of administrations and bankruptcies ; and two Justices have jurisdiction up to £50 ; minors can sue for wages. Soli* oitors are allowed no costs when judgi ment is confessed under £20, m other cases, £1 Is j m other actions, 5 per cent on the debt or damag3 claimed ; total costs may be fixed by the Judge at £3 3$ bat mast not exceed. #1Q»