VALEDICTORY

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LX, Issue 11134, 8 June 1933, Page 3

VALEDICTORY

Presentation to Mr S. L. ; Paterson

A I'OPI'J.AU MAGISTRATE

To pay tribute to Mr S. L. Paterson for his services as Stipendiary Magistrate in Tauranga for the past five years, some twenty residents, members of the legal profession and others, were present in the Court house last evening. Mr Paterson has received notice of his transfer to another district with Hamilton as his centre, and yesterday was hii=? last visit to Tauranga.

Taking advantage of this opportunity Messrs H. A. Sharp. H. O. Cooney, A. Tudhopc, J. Auld, W. E. Hookey, J. F, Russell Wallace and L. E. Manning, members of the Tauranga and Te Puke Bar: His Worship the .Mayor, Mr A. F. Tunks. Councillors C. Whiting, J. Law and V. J. Scantlebury; Messrs B. C' Robbins. W. Teasey. A. J. Mirrielees, G. H. Ollard, E. L. Broad, and L. R. Wilkinson, Justices of the Peace: Constables A. Skinner and W. Moore; Mr M. W. Watt, Mr W, H. Roy. and Mr M. Simmonds, Clerk of the Court, gathered to extend to Mr Paterson congratulations on his transfer to a larger area, and to express their good wishes tor the future.

Mr Sharp stated that this was the last occasion on which the Tauranga and Te Puke Bar would have the privilege of addressing Mr Paterson in the Tauranga Court. Mr Paterson had presided for several years, and his services had been greatly appreciated by the legal profession. They were there lo say farewell and it was with sincere regret that they did so. Continuing, Mr Sharp stated that Mr Paterson had been placed on the Bench to administer justice, and the justice as administered by him was fully appreciated by the citizens of Tauranga. the Bar and the Police. Mr Paterson had given all matters an impartial and patient hearing and his great show of patience and courtesy to counsel was greatly appreciated. He wished, on behalf of the Bar and the citizens of the town to thank Mr Paterson for the way in which he carried out his duties a.nd assured him of their appreciation. Mr H. O. Cooney spoke of relations with Mr Paterson at the Bar in 11125, and of Mr Paterson’s subsequent appointment to the Bench. He endorsed Mr Sharp’s remarks, and further stated that he was sure that Hamilton had every reason to rejoice in the fact that they were to have Mr Paterson presiding at their Courts. He trusted that he continue to move upwards and re-’ ceive further honours, and that years would bring to him still deeper wisdom and keener insight..

His Worship the Mayor, Mr A. F. Tunks, stated that on behalf of the citizens of Tauranga he wished to join in wishing Mr Paterson God Speed, and to express their appreciation in Mr Paterson’s administration of justice. The best wishes of the citizens were with Mr Paterson in his promotion to Hamilton. On behalf of-the Licensing Committee, Mr V. J. Scantlebury intimated the deep regret with which Mr Paterson’s departure was viewed by the Committee. He thanked him for the way he had directed the committee in the past.

Mr J. F. Russell Wallace said that he knew of no fairer judge to whom the Counsel had to plead their causes. Mr Paterson had always shown kindness, patience and guidance to the junior members of the Bar. He was extremely sorry that he was leaving this district, but he rejoiced at Mr Paterson’s promotion. Mr W. E. Hookey and Mr L. E. Manning also spoke of the courteous and patient hearing Mr Paterson had always given them, and both spoke of the sincere regret felt at the loss of Mr Paterson. They concluded by wishing him a most prosperous future.

Mr B. C. Robbins said that he wished lo add his tribute to Mr Paterson’s capabilities, and he could quite confidently say that all the public were one in wishing Mr Paterson success in the future.

Constable -Skinner on behalf of the police said that words were inadequate in expressing his feelings at the loss of Mr Paterson. He stated that the Katikati, Tauranga and Te Puke police all regretted Mr Paterson leaving the district. The Police had not the legal training of. members of the Bar and did not always put forward their cases with the clarity of a member of the legal profession. However, Mr Paterson had on all occasions been able to see what the police were endeavouring to put before him and had rendered them invaluable assistance at all times.

On rising to reply to the speakers Mr Paterson was greeted with applause. He said that he was deeply moved at the graceful tributes paid to him. He was more conscious of his own shortcomings than anything else. He was afraid that he was not always patient and his reasoning was not always correct. He was afraid that the only thing he could plead in extenuation was that he did his best to uphold his idea of British Justice. He could say that during the time he had presided at the courts of Tauranga and Te Puke he had had invaluable assistance from the Bar which had greatly lessened his work. It was not only the work done by the Bar in court that had lessened his work but also the many settlements which had been arranged mutually out of court had been of great assistance. The Police force had also been instrumental in lessening his duties. They had endeavoured to carry out their duties without fear or favour and he had done his utmost to minister Justice in a like manner. He very much regtetted leaving the circuit for it held many happy associations for him. He had formed many friendships which he would he extremely sorry to lose. However, he sincerely hoped that in the near future he would be able to rturn to Tauranga to renew these friendships and acquaintances. He wished to thank one and all for the wishes and tributes paid to him and closed by wishing all a most successful and prosperous future.

Mr Sharp then requested Mr Paterson to leave the Bench ami meet those present in a small social function outside the precincts of the

court. The gathering then adjourned to the Magistrates Room where Mr Sharp farewelled Mr Paterson socially. He spoke of the many happy associations with Mr Paterson In the social sphere and trusted that he would visit Tauranga in the future and renew his friendships on the bowling green and at the Club. On behalf of those present he asked Mr Paterson to accept a case of pipes as a small token in remembrance of the esteem in which he was held by his many Tauranga friends. Mr M. Simmonds spoke of the very great personal loss he would experience in Mr Paterson’s departure. He hoped that he would have a pleasant residence in Hamilton and make riiany friends.

Mr Auld also added his tribute to Mr Paterson as Magistrate of the Bay of Plenty districts. He expressed keen regret at the loss which would be sustained in his* transfer to Hamilton. As a vice-president of the Bowling Club he extended to Mr Paterson a cordial welcome to return to Tauranga at an early date and renew his friendships on the bowling green. Mr Paterson thanked the gathering for the very pleasant surprise. He was extremely sorry that his last visit to Tauranga was so brief for it had been his desire to spend several days here before leaving for Hamilton. However, circumstances had arisen which made it impossible for him to stay, but lie hoped that in the near future he would be able to return to Tauranga and foregather with his friends either on the bowling green, golf links or club.