OUR LATE MAGISTRATE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9540, 12 July 1909, Page 4

OUR LATE MAGISTRATE.

It is our sad duty this morning to record'the death of a worthy gentleman, and a capable public official in the person of Mr W. P. James, S.M. When the news became known yesterday that Mr James had expired at a very early hour in the morning most sincere expressions of deep regret were universal. For some little time past it had been known that the deceased was dangerously ill, but the end came with startling suddenness. Although we all in common owe a debt to Nature that we must discharge, the inevitable fulfilling of the obligation comes almost invariably with a shock of painful surprise to mourning friends. Upon the sacred sorrow of his bereaved relatives none will intrude; respectful sympathy is all that may be offered, and it isjn such a spirit that we express our genuine regret at the removal from our midst of an honourable, strenuous and genial character. The late Mr James always led a most active life, a fact that possibly hastened the lamentable end, and he was an exceedingly popular Magistrate, while as a private citizen he was greatly es-, teonrcd, '•The elements So mix'd in him,that Hatnr© might stand up, And say to all the world—This was a man!" His decisions wera characterised by their sound common sense, and the principles of true justice displayed. In the discharge of his judicial duties he never courted popularity, nor failed to be firm where firmness was in the interests of justice essentially required, and, as is often the case, with those who have the moral courage to fearlessly do th ir duty he was rightly esteemed for the manner in which he discharged his responsible Magisterial offices. For a great many years he was closelv connected with aport in various fjrrns, and the instincts of the genuine sportsman were invariably apparent. In the days l{ early manhood the late Mr James was an able athlete, notably in the football field, whers the national game of New Zealand is played. As a Magistrate, a private citizan. and a sportsman, he leaves behind him an honourable career—a lifelong r;cT.l that should stimulate others L emulate ifc.