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South Canterbury Times, Issue 2766, 3 February 1882, Page 2

One method of estimating the relative values of locomotive engines of different makes and patterns is to compare their “ train mileages,” i.t. the number of miles they run per annum, or while they continue in working

order without extensive renewals of working parts, and the estimate- may be varied in several ways : taking their mileages at per ton of coal con suraed, at per ton or per thousand tons drawn so many- miles. Quite complicated systems of estimating these mileages have come into use, and so precise and minute are some of them that allowances are made for shunting at side stations, and for running to and from the engine sheds. This appears to be a very proper way of comparing engines, if, indeed, it is not the only truly reliable method. The number of years a locomotive lasts would be a fallacious test of its value as a working instrument, the only proper test is the amount of‘work actually done. Some engines of the best construction have wonderful “ records,” —thousands of miles per week ; millions of miles during their “lives,”: “ The above remarks are made as a sort of introduction to a suggestion we have to make to the Minister of Justice, the Ministry, and the Legislature generally, with regard to Resident Magistrates, Eecent reductions in the number of stipendiary Magistrates have caused an entire change in the character of these valuable officials. Instead of being termed “ Eesident,” they would be more fittingly bo termed “locomotive” Magistrates. They have such large districts assigned to them and have so much travelling to do in the performance of their duties, that the greater part of their time must, be spent, in getting from one place to another, arid the ability to stand the fatigue of it most be one of their most important qualifications. This being so we would suggest that in fixing their salaries and retiring pensions the principle adopted in estimating the relative worth of a locomotive—the reckoning of mileage performances—should be allowe.dat least some weight. If this were done we fancy that the Eesident. Magistrate of this district would be able to present a “ record ” that would eclipse most or all others. He has to sit at Ashburton, Geraldine, Temuka, and Waimate, and must therefore travel over 200 miles per week. Itcosts a shilling a mile to run a process server, but these are of course men of inferior construction. If it cost as much to keep a Eesident Magistrate on the track the administration of justice in South Canterbury would be very expensive. >