The N.Z. Magistracy.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 31, 7 January 1885, Page 3

The N.Z. Magistracy.

(TO THE EDITOB OF THE STANDARD.) • Snt,— l am sure that your comments and the expression of opinion of the "Wanganui Herald, re Judicial Beform relative to the Magistracy generally, are fully endorsed by the legal profession .. and the public, who have long seen and felt. the necessity , of men ot legal attain- ■-.. ments only being appointed Magistrates, and also of their periodical removal. "Who has not seen the leanings and favoritism, disregard of legal principles, and hoodwinking of justice under the present system ? Who has not seen the servile and sycophantic, m return for long acquaintance with, and fulsome adulation of, a Magistrate, receive his feyors at the expense of some unfortunate plaintiff' or defendant, who thereafl^r. has "to carry up,and :down a dis- •■ contented and rejpningv spirit"? Who has not seen the voice which " dares to be m the right *;< ignored because its m:- -: flexible sincerity; does riot accommodate itself to the. envious jealousy of a favorite, or the caprice 'or suspicious partiality ot a Magistrate? Who has not seen undue , - straining 1 , of the ,law creep through,, the '.BUbtle. yalyes of legal, discretion;, too largely exercised by^trained andm- ., competent men ? Many times is;v^nfied the old proverb, ,•• that one shal} beat the -bush, and another -shall have the bird;" Thing^ ; iiaye come: to Bjichia.;pass.noTC that ' ■ ■ : - ■:■:'<■ . .-'■: , '^- : . . A man brings what is balled an.actio.n, .':; Which drives the poor fellow todis- .,-•••• trajctdpny. 1 • ■■'. : -;; •■• • '■ .'■■■■ Fo* if perchance; he gains lihe day— -..,', He jtijfi may have alfcthe costs to pay. So that to him who goes Ho law five things are requisite. 1. A good banking account. % A good deal of 'patience. 8. Good hard swearings 4. j&ood terms with the Court.' 6. Good luck.— Yours, •■&c.,! ; i-" -■■■'"•'-• ■■•' ••"■ '' •••- i Bayley Hawkins. Palmerston North. *~ ' \