CORRESPONDENCE.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 58, 4 June 1873, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

[Our columns are open for free discussion; but we do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of our Correspondents.]

THE R.M’s COURT. TO the editor of the standard. Sir, —The tardy manner in which justice is doled out to us in our R.M’s Court is getting to be a bye-word in mens’ mouths. It is a notorious fact that in cases where judgment is given, the plaintiff has to look after the mutter himself, as the Court functionaries don’t trouble any further than getting the fees. This sort of thing in dealing with natives brings the law into contempt. There was a ease not long ago iu which judgment was given against a native. The native had the amount in his purse in his hand, standing at the bar, but instead of the money being demanded, he was asked “ how are you going to pay this,” or, “ how long tiirie do you want to pay it in,” some such questions as these. The native coolly closed his purse, put it in his pocket, went outside, did a little shopping, and came back after a while, paid a portion, and stated a time for paying the balance; double the time has expired, and the sum is not paid yet.

This is only one case out of many similar. As far as natives are concerned, to threaten them with a summons is to cause a laugh; they say, “we don’t care about your summons; ” the Court is very ngawari (soft), and so the matter stands.

It seems a waste of time and money to take native cases into Court at all, and in some cases it applies equally to Europeans. It is very hard to have to pay for having a thing done, and then, after all, have to do it yourself.—l am, &c., Scrutator.