THE RETIREMENT OF MR J. ALLEN, S.M.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXV, Issue 295, 20 December 1901, Page 3

THE RETIREMENT OF MR J. ALLEN, S.M.

VALEDICTORY PROCEEDINGS.

There was a representative gathering in the Courthouse this morning of members of the Bar, Justices of the Peace, and others whose business often takes them to tho Magistrate's Court, to say farewell to Mr J. Allen, S.M,, who is retiring from office at the end of this month, and to make him a presentation of a purse of sovereigns.

Mr Alfred Rogers, on behalf of the members of the Bar, said he desired to express to His Worship their high appreciation of the courtesy and consideration he had always shown them, whether in open Court or in his office. As Magistrate and Registrar he had been for a very long period presiding in Blenheim in the Coait, and he did not think there was :i Court in the Colony ~in which, during so long a period, the business had been conducted with so little friction between Bench and Bar, and with the absence of any approach to bickering. Later he would be asked to accept from them a token which would be a pledge of the earnestness and truth of their sentiments towards him and the esteem in which they held him.

Mr R. MeCalium, on behalf of the Justices of the Peace, said it was with feeling of regret that they heard of his retirement. As a Magistrate he had always lent invaluable aid and counsel to Justices, and gave ready assistance to a newly appointed Justice. They all felt the fullest confidence in his judgments, for instead of, as was often done, packing the Bench, they were quite satisfied when any case of importance to the district, whether political or judicial, was to be heard, to leave it to his own judgment, which was always given with the soundest common-sense and equity. They hoped that, although he was about to retire, his sphere of usefulness would be extended, for there were many ways in which the Government could avail themselves of his mature judgment. They had to express to him their sincere gratitude for'his kindness and consideration to them. Speaking also as Mayor he desired to tender him the esteem of the Corporation and citizens of Blenheim, and to assure him that his services had been appreciated by them.

Mr N. T. Prichard also spoke a few words of thanks for. the assistance he had always freely rendered the Justices.

Mr J. Conolly, on behalf of the subscribers, then handed to Mr Allen a purse of sovereigns, at tho same time expressing the pleasure with which the presentation was made, saying it came from members of the Bar, the officers of his departments, Justices of the Peace, and a few of the public. The presentation was a token of the esteem in which they held him, and the regret they would always feel at his retirement. The testimonial came from all parts of the district, and he had been asked to apologise for many of the subscribers that they were unable to be present this morning. To show His Worship how general was the esteem and respect for him he read extracts from several letters which he had received from the subscribers. In conclusion, he expressed the hope that he would live many years to enjoy his rest and pension.

Mr Allen, in replying, said they had placed him in a very awkward position, for he disliked talking about himself or his work. He would only say that any failure on his part was not from a desire to shirk any of his responsibilities or a want of spirit to faithfully carry out as far as he was able the terms of oath which he took on assuming his offices. He had been forty-two years in the service, and had spent twenty of them in Blenheim, and he found it very hard work to say farewell. He thanked the Justices for the kindly sentiments expressed towards himself, and the inhabitants of the district also for the sentiments that had been expressed on their behalf ; but ho wished to thank the members of the Bar particularly for the courtesy and goodwill that had invariably existed between them and himself whilst he had occupied the Bench. He took this occasion of once again thanking them all, and, whilst wishing them farewell, hoped they would enjoy very many happy and prosperous Nev^ Years,