Active Magisterial Career Ended

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 201, 14 November 1927, Page 12

Active Magisterial Career Ended

DEATH OF MR. J. W. POYNTON STORY OF YOUNG MINER’S RISE Mr. J. W. Poynton, S.M.. who for the past nine years has been sitting at the Auckland Police Court, died at his home, Epscm Avenue, last evening. Mr. Poynton. who was aged 65. retired from the Bench on September 6. going then on the six months’ leave of

absence that preluded his retirement. He has been in ill-health for many months, and despite this handicap, he worked on vigorously until two months ago. A man with scholarly inclinations, he looked forward to the days of retirement because of the bookish ease they promised, but none of this he has had, for his sight failed. A VARIED CAREER Mr. Poynton has been a man of many parts, and he has given service to New Zealand in several capacities. Born at Kyneton, Victoria, he came to New Zealand two years later, his parents settling at Invercargill. Later, the family removed to the West Coast of the South Island, and although Mr. Poynton was unable to have regular schooling, he spent his time profitably in the study of bird and plant life. At the age of 12 he attained a goldminer’s licence, and for 10 years he was content to try his fortune on the fields. In his early twenties he determined to enter a profession, and at first he inclined toward medicine, but a chance meeting with Sir Robert Stout, then Prime Minister, caused him to turn to law. He passed the geiieral knowledge examination at Hokitika in 1888, and Inter he went to practise in Wellington. Tn 1895 he was appointed stipendiary magistrate at Invercargill, and in 1900, he became Public Trustee under the Seddon Government. In that position he remained until 1910. when he was appoined secretary to the Treasury, and superintendent of the Advances to Settlers Department. A breakdown in health later forced him to temporary retirement. He was reappoinetd to the magistracy in 1913. being stationed at Palmerston North for five years, and then coming to Auckland, where he remained until his retirement. Mr. Poynton is survived by a wife and one son. The funeral will leave his home, on Wednesday for the Waikumet.e crematorium. At the Police Court to-morrow morning colleagues of the Bench, court officials and members of the Auckland Bar will pay tribute to the memory of the late Mr. Poynton.