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Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 185, 17 January 1877, Page 2

In our last issue wc referred to the changes that were pending in connection with the A.C., Force, and also to the appointment of another llcsident Magistrate in consequence. At the time of writing we had very good reasons for believing that Mr RaAvson, of Now Plymouth, would be the new official, and he may be yet, as far as wc know, and his appointment may be merely postponed. In Pie meantime, whether permanently or not, Captain Wray has been chosen and took office yesterday as Resident Magistrate, and Chairman of the Licensing Board. Whether Captain Wray, Mr llawson, or any other gentleman occupies the Bench, it is certain that the pretence of economy on which the late reductions have been made is a false one, that to retrench with the right hand and expend with the left is the apparent policy of Major Atkinson, ami whether that is or is not absurd we leave our readers to judge. An officer of standing is deposed on the ground of economy, and another officer whose vocation in connection with Immigration has lately ceased is appointed in his stead at, we presume, nearly the same remuneration. That personal influence has had some great controlling power in the change seems at least probable, and whether the now broom will prove as good as the old one has yet to be shoAvn. We can only repeat that Major Turner, on his retirement, carries Avith him the hearty good Avishes and the highest respect from an

overwhelming majority of the people of the district, and this will bo endorsed by them. It is with sincere regret we have this as it were, to write his official epitaph, but hope that before long wo may have the pleasure of chronicling his restoration. Notwithstanding any trifling errors of judgment, if his successor becomes us popular lie will bo a fortunate man.