GREETING AND FAREWELL

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 260, 3 August 1928, Page 6

GREETING AND FAREWELL

MAGISTRATES ENTERTAINED; Dominion Special Service. Masterton, August 2. Mr. J. Miller, tlie newly-appointed Magistrate of. the Masterton district, was welcomed at this morning s sitting of the Court by the members of the legal profession. On behalf of the profession, Mr. H. C. Robinson recalled that Mr. Miller was clerk of the Court at Masteiton eight years ago. The remark was made then that clerks of the Court should have equal opportunity with others when appointments were made to the Magisterial Bench. The standing and ability of Mr. Miller had entitled him to consideration, and now that he had been 'romoted, the Bar were unanimous in expressing their pleasure. In reply, Mr. Miller said his relations with the legal fraternity in Masterton had always been pleasant, and he was very glad to be back. He realised he was following a very able M gistrate in Mr. Free, and he knew he could not go far wrong by following the exampl: of those who had occupied the Bench before him. FAREWELL TO MR. FREE. Mr. S. L. P. Free, whom Mr. Miller succeeds upon his retirement, was last night entertained by the legal profession of Wairarapa.' The senior practitioner, Mr. J. W. Card (Mayor of Featherston) occupied the chair, and proposed the toast of “The Guest of the Evening.” ' ' - Mr. Free was presented with a set of books, one of which contained an inscription to the effect that the members of the legal profession of the Wairarapa circuit desired to express to Mr. Free their respect and esteem. Mr. Free had occupied the Bench at Masterton since 1918. . In the essential matters of legal knowledge, balanced judgment and fearless impartiality, he had early commanded respect, and bj his unvaried patience and high courtesy had he, gained esteem. Mr. J. Miller also was present, and was toasted, on the proposal of Mr. >J. F. Thompson (Greytown), as the new Magistrate. . < Another toast was “The Profession of Law,” proposed by Mr. T. M. Page (Eketahuna), and responded to by Mr.- T. Jordan (Masterton). Musical items were given by Messrs. C. C. Marsaek (Masterton) and D. L. Taverner (Carterton), Mr. F., Beckingsale presiding at the piano.