THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. TUESDAY, AUGUST 3, 1909. A DISGRACEFUL STATE OF AFFAIRS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9558, 3 August 1909, Page 4

THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. TUESDAY, AUGUST 3, 1909. A DISGRACEFUL STATE OF AFFAIRS.

For some years past the establishment oi "a new Courthouse'' at Masterton has been expected, and suma for \the purpose mentioned have actually been set down upon the Estimates, but whatever may have caused persons of ordinary intelligence and straightness of view to anticipate that the Government was about to do what it ought to do —in one instance at least—the real intention of the powers that be is becoming very manifest. It is not a "new" Courthouse that the important town and district of Masterton is to enjoy, but a new regime, which is simply a disgraceful state of affairs. The District Court has been abolished and in its stead we have nothing. The latest amendment to the Magistrate's Court Act provides /or certain extended jurisdiction in the case of Magistrates, but not even this has been arranged for in the case of the Mfsterton district. Had this been done two persons, one a rtsident of Masterton, and the other of Carterton, seeking the protection of the Bankruptcy Court recently could have filed in Masterton, but for the reasons already stated both had to file in Wellington. The limit of liabilities in bankruptcy cases under the Magistrate's Court Act is £3OO, but even with this restriction the bankrupts mentioned could have filed in Masterton had the proper authorities performed their duty. Looking at the matter quite impartially, and with almost a dciire to put forward excuses, where none should be pleaded, it seems to us to be a matter calling for explanation. It was understood that Supreme Court sittings were to be held in Masterton, or rather that arrangements in connection therewith were to be made, but there now really appears to be a desire on the part of the responsible Government member to deny the district this privilege. For many years past the Wairarapa district has had the convenience and benefit of having a Deputy Official Assignee in Bankruptcy, but as matters now stand the office is non-ex-istent for all practical purposes. It is very clear to us that if we are going to have Supreme Court sittings in Masterton that we are not going to have them Unless the members of the legal profession, and the business people—per their medium the Chamber of Commerce —bestir themselves a little more in the matter. The question is one that the member for the district might take an interest in, but as he is at present engaged in stumping the country, it would, no doubt be difficult to attract his attention. However, the inexcusable neglect to which we have drawn attention cannot be denied—it is for those interested to try and right the wrong!