MR W. P. JAMES' DEATH.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9541, 13 July 1909, Page 5

MR W. P. JAMES' DEATH.

EXPRESSIONS OF SYMPATHY. GATHERING AT THE COURTHOUSE. Yesterday morning a convocation consisting of members of the local Bench, legal profession, Court officials and others, was held in the Magistrate's Court, at Masterton, under the presidency of the Acting Stipendiary Magistrate, Mr C. C. Graham, S.M., the cause of the gathering being the death of Mr W, P. James. S.M. There were present: —•besides Mr C. C. Graham, S.M., Messrs P. L. Hollings, C. A. Pownall, O. Pragnell, R. K. Jackson, W. G. Beard, A. R. Bunny, W. G. HandNewton. D. P. Logan, H. C. Robinson, Dr. Trimble, Coleman Phillips (Carterton), and the following Justices of the Peace:—Messrs E. G. Eton, R. Brown, E. McEwen, T. Wagg, Eli Smith, M. Caselberg, W. H. Beetham, M. C. O'Connell, J. H. Pauling and L. J. Hooper. Mr Graham, in a feeling speech, explained the sad cause of the gathering. He said he had known , deceased for many years, a.id had ever found hitn a man of a singu- I larly lovable and upright character. In the course of the performance of his Magisterial duties, • Mr" James had come in contact with many men and had always been courteous, obliging and thoroughly just. Magisterial duties were at times onerous and difficult, but deceased had carried them out conscientiously and always , endeavoured to deal uprightly as between man and man. In his private character he had endeared himself: to al'l to whom he was known. He took a keen interest in all that was going on, and as a member of the social community would be very deeply missed. His Worship said he felt certain that the deepest sympathy would go out to the bereaved widow, family and relatives in their sorrow. Not only would they have the sympathy of all present, but of the whole community. As a Isst mark of their esteem and respect he woul i adjourn the Court. Mr Beard, speaking for the legal profession, said that when recently Mr James left on a holiday for Sydney they little realised that that was the beginning of the end. Deceased was a man of singuhrly upright character, both as a Magistrate and as a man. He never allowed himself to be influenced by any outside consideration in the discharge of his duties, and that knowledge of his conscientiousness had endeared him to all with whom he had come in contact. The speaker had known him for many years, and had had ample opportunity of knowing the deceased's many good qualities. On behalf of the legal profession in Masterton he tendered the deepest and sincercst sympathy to the bereaved family. Mr W. H. Beetham, speaking for I local Justices of the Peace, said that all he could say was that Mr James had always done his duty in every respect, both as a man and in his Magisterial capacity. The whole town and district would feel deeply the loss that had been sustained in the death of Mr James, and would extend heartfelt sympathy to Mrs James and family.

Mr P. L. Hollings, speaking in his position as Mayor of the town, said he felt it wuld be impossible for him to express the deep regret that would be experienced by the town and district in the loss of Mr James. In matters affecting the wellare of the community, deceased had always taken the keenest interest, and in all respects had proved himself a most estimable gentleman. During the nine years Mr James had presided over the Masterton Court he had always earned sincerest respect, and on behalf of the citizens of the town he, too, would extend to Mrs James and family their deep sym pathy for the sad blow that had befallen them. Mr M. Foley, Clerk of the Court, stated he probably knew Mr James better than anyone else present, as he had known him for over twenty years, and during that time had found him thoroughly courteous and upright in the discharge of his duties. The Justices present then passed the following resolution"That the Justices of the Peace in the Masterton district express their deep sorrow and regret at the great loss sustained by the community in the sudden death of Mr James, and desire to tender their sincere and heartfelt sympathy to Mrs James and family in their sad bereavement."

"* The police force of Masterton have also decided to forward a similar resolution, while wreaths are being sent from the Mayor and Councillors, Justices of the Peace, also the police and the staff at the Courthouse. Mr Rawson, S.M., Westport, and formerly Clerk of the Court, Masterton, sent a telegram stating that he, too, was sending a wreath.*

It has been decided to close the Borough Council offices till Wednesday next as a mark of respect to deceased, while the Courthouse and solicitors' offices will also be closed.

and ro^H^H|HnHHH whom he