THE MAGISTRACY.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3318, 11 August 1879, Page 2

THE MAGISTRACY.

COL. FRASER'S FAREWELL TO

THE BAR.

:; After- thfg morning's sitting of the R.M. Court; which was the last occasion on which Col. Fraser will occupy the Bench^ he made the following remarks, to the gentlemen of the Bar present :— 'Tn retiring from this position, which I have now occupied.for, ten years, I feel that I ought to express to the profession, find the people of the... Thames, my warmest thanks for the support and consideration which they have, at all times, given me. Although, during that time I have adjudicated on over fifteen thousand cases, in not one of which has my decision been> set aside, it cannot be, that in all these, my judgment has never erred. It caif hardly be that I have^ at all times, adopted the wisest course, but I hope you can support' me in the assertion that I hare conscientiously endeavoured; at all times, to act with justice, and without partia'jty.!' My resignation of this position, which I have occupied so long has, as must be known to all, been caused by rumors and accusations concerning my (private) conduct, which were inconsistent with cay continuing usefully to hold this position. Of the foundation of these rumors I know 'nothing.'! Of these, accusations I have challenged a searching examination in the full confidence that

they cannot be sustained. But finding that in the meantime suspicion might attach to me in the eyes of some, I have thought it right in your interest as in my own to retire from a position which is only useful or honorable while it is beyond smpioion. I trust, however, that my retirement from this position will in no way sever the connection between the people of the Thames and myself. 1 As. a resident of the Thames I shall still be a sharer in the prosperity of the people (which I heartily desire), or suffer with them in any reverse of- fortune. Mr Dodd, as senior member of the bar present, said although iCol. jFraser'(had; occupied the position of B.M. for ten years it did riot seem so"long as Tthat fo KimV His decisions, though not always infallible, had, he was certain, satisfied! the bar generally, and. he was aorry when he heard, that from a sense of honour His Worship had determined toresign. He concluded by wishing Col, Frasqr every 'success wherever he'went or wherever he might be.

Mr Miller said; Coming next injorder to MrDodd.lwish to say it was with extreme regret that we learned your, Worship, had decided to resign the numerous offices which you have so long and ably held in this district. The connection between us has been one which we shall long remember, and perhaps never forget; but how that it is to severed, we desire to record our high appreciation of the-manner in which you have constantly discharged the onerous duties of your several offices. That your judgments have at all times been given without fear, favor, or affection, we dan amply' testify, but of this fact no better proof can be found than the number of cases which have been ad* judicated upon by your Worship without a reversal. In deciding the numerous' and complicated matters coining before you, we could not but admire 'your able and sound discretion, and, whilst regretting that your Magisterial connection with"; us is ceasing, we are pleased to hear that we shall continue to meet you as a citizen alike interested ml the rise or fall of our'district. So far as regards the cause of your resignation, we have little fear but that the enjjuiry you;, haye demanded, and, are' entitled to have; will ultimately prove the maliciousness! of the reports and faliity of the accusations referred to. On^ how taking leave, of you as our Magistrate and . Warden we desire to assure you of onr highest esteem and •restiecti and'of our sincere desire that we may yet again be united by the same ties which are now being severed. With ,my friend Mr Dodd, -I wish- your Worship every success. O } ' , ! Mr'Brassey said: I may say, so far as my,' professional in this Court, which extends, over a period of from 2^ to 3 years, the warmest feeling possible has existed between the Bench and the Bar, and your Worship, while on the Bench, has meted out even justice to all. It is certainly a matterj>f congratulation to yourself that you have adjudicated on so many cases, and no appeal against your decisions have been sustained. I very much regret your departure just as we were becoming known to each other, and very much regret that you have determined to resign. In conclusion, I may say I am sure whatever change takes place, it will not better the position of the Bench, nor benefit the Bar.

Mr A. J. Allom, as Clerk of the Court, expressed regret at His TVorshp's severance from that, Bench.;..' Having been intimately connected with him in other capacities: in the administration of the Goldfield, he had much pleasure in thanking him on behalf of the officers of the Department for the unform kindness, courtesy, consideration, and - assistance they had experienced from him in the exercise of their respective duties. , He also wished Colonel Fraser and Mrs Fraser prosperity and health in the future.

Mr Sub-Inspector Kenny thaoked Col. Fraser for his kindness and courtesy during the short time they had known each other.

His Worship thanked them for their kind remarks, and left the Bench.