JUSTICES CONFER.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 235, 3 October 1924, Page 10

JUSTICES CONFER.

FEDERAL COUNCIL FORMED. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, Thursday. The conferencce of Justices of the Peace Associations was continued yesterday afternoon. Mr. R. D. Hanlon yvas appointed president of the conference, and Mr. I. Salek was appointed secretary. On tlie motion of Mr. J. 11. Fray (Auckland), seconded by Mr. J. IL i Keesing (Wanganui), it was decided,] "That a federal council of justices* i associations be established." A com-1 mittee, consisting of Messrs. Fray, Keeß- ' ing, Kerr, Smith and Chancy, yvith the secretary (Mr. I. Salek) was appointed to draw up a coristitutioh. •"■■■'■■■• , Mr. A. Wheeler ( Auckland i moved: "This conference recommends all associations to amend their rules to provide that any member of an association changing his residence to toother judicial district may be transferred as a member to the association for his new district without payment of another entrance fee." There was some objection to the motion on the ground that it interfered with the individuality of nn association, but it was passed. , Mr. A. J. Stafford (Auckland) moved: "That with a view of easing the work of the stipendiary magistrate in each I centre, and of utilising the services of a large number of justices of the peace only too willing to act, this conference : is of the opinion that certain specified day's should be set apart in each city on ; which justices would preside at their .1 respective S.M. Courts." Mr. I. Salek heartily supported the motion, and Mr. D. Keir said the Government might instruct magistrates to have justices • sitting with them at least one day a week, yvithout jurisdiction, in order to ' gain a knowledge of procedure and the law of evidence. The motion was,. adopted. i Mr. G. E. Franklin (Canterbury) . moved: "That this conference strongly recommends that the Department of Justice confer with the justices' associa- , tions in the various centres before finally l making appointments to the Commission of the Peace." In seconding the motion, , Mr. C. Wheeler (Auckland) urged that : all nominations should be forwarded to j every association. The motion was ; adopted. '■ The Wellington remit was adopted ' urging upon the Government the desira- .; ibility of Betting up an office in each I of the chief centres for the convenience of justices and the general public which needed their services. i Mr. J. R. Brunt (Christchurch) moved and Mr. F. G. Cray seconded: "Seeing j the number of justices in tile Dominion is estimated at nearly 6000, this con- ! ference strongly recommends that all . future appointments to the Commission of the Peace be restricted to those persons who are proved loyal subjects to the Empire." Mr. Cray maintained that the whole system of appointing justices I should be altered. The present one ' belonged to the dark apes. He did not * believe appointments should be made I on the recommendation of the M.P. for ' the district. Appointments should be t made according to the needs of the dis- ' trict, a man's ability, and his proved ! loyalty to the Crown. The motion was 8 unanimously adopted. f