Wairarapa Daily Times. [Established 1878.] MONDAY, MAY 28, 1894. THE NEW BATCH.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XV, Issue 4731, 28 May 1894, Page 2

Wairarapa Daily Times. [Established 1878.] MONDAY, MAY 28, 1894. THE NEW BATCH.

SECOND EDITION

Tiik annua! batch of Justices has just been turned out of the Ministerial oven. Once a yew the Government, nokiiswkns, has to appoint a era Win number of magistvates and this number w.n be got at mill mathematical accuracy by multiplying the number of Ministerial supporters by the figure foil". Four 3 usticcs of tho Pcaco per annum is (be allowance made to each M.H.R. of the right coloov! It is quite enough for the lcquiiements of the Colony, but none too much for the poorpestoiedmembci's, An M.H.B, may be compelled by pressflio iiom hissinporiers topronuso J.P.sbips in all directions and no doubt ho redeems his pledge by. submitting a long; list to the Govevraent, but none the less it is understood that his whack must be limited to four, and hope deferral becomes the portion of very many suite for the position. The first batch of Justices turned out by the present Ministry was rather a rough one, so much so that it was believed nt the time that when station properties wanted a "rouse-about" they found it necessary to caution their managers against engaging a Justice of. the Peace. Many queer stories were told of somo of the worthies who were appointed on this occasion, " Jack," said a friend who snt clown to play a baud at Euchre with one of them, "Now, you me a Justice of the Peace, you mustn't cheat,"" No' (adjective) fear," retorted Jack, " that makes no difference!" tmdil' did noil Tho second draft was better, the Government seemed to have become- alive to the fact that a line must be drawn somewhere, and the more respectable members of the first batch used their influence to exclude notoriously unfit candidates. This influence seems still to be on the ascendant for tho third batch which has just come out is on the whole an advance on the second. A line seems to have been drawn at last, and though many of the new men are without that education and ability; which is essential for the efficient discbarge of magisterial duties, they are fairly respectable persons who in time may become useful to the community in their new vocation. Under the existing system, Magisterial appointments are given as rewards for political services at general elections, and it is impossible on this basis to get a satisfactory roll. Thcoldplanof talcing nominations through the Resident Magistrate of tho district where persons were to exercise judicial functions, was infinitely preferable, and wo trust in time to see it again resorted to, The present practice is vicious and degrading. It will be remembered that upon one occasion the Libera] Party sent an organising M.H.B, round the Colony whose special mission was to secure the sinews of war, He laid stress on the fact that overy Liberal wh<) subscribed a pound perannum to the party fund- was eligible for a J.P,ship. After this it was understood throughout New Zealand that i tho most honourable reword that the Crown could offer might be bought for a very small sum. Wo avo glad to see now that tho Government is oxcrcising a little discretion than formerly in theso matters, and we can almost compliment the Hon. Mr Cadman on his last batch,