PEACE JUSTICES

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 31, 31 October 1929, Page 13

PEACE JUSTICES

Sir, —“Pilgrim’s” letter has many points. The writer of this letter is largely in agreement with a number of his suggestions and contentions. In many respects “Pilgrim” lays himself open to adverse criticism. However, the idea of levying five guineas per head per annum upon all Justices of the Peace is a capital suggestion { and the devotion of the proceeds to find work for unemployed is better still. If the levy is made by'the Justice Department—not the J.P.’s Association—l am in favour of it. On the other hand, Sir, it would be posttively wrong and dangerous to allow Justices of the Peace to charge any money for their services, as it would be equally wrong for Peace Justices to take it. .All the social advantages that ‘Pilgrim suggests might be accorded if all Justices of the Peace were all equally worthy. There is necessity for discrimination. The social level of Justices of the Peace is not raised by such appointment. The fact that many ignorant and presumptuous —presumption is the corollary ot ignorance—persons are made J.P s is.one of the reasons why some test of trained intelligence and ability should be made by the Department before appointments are made. Some years ago, when a member ot the association and the status of the J.L. was under consideration, I suggested that an examination equal to that for matriculation should have to be passed. That raised a storm of protests, which were not allayed when I explained that I had no intention that 1 the test should be made to apply retrospectively. There are no doubt thousands of men and women in New Zealand capable of being admirable Justices of ■ the Peace. But political friendship and nomination should not be the basis for appointment. Trained intelligence of an efficient standard from an educational point of view should be the test. The Minister of Justice has a keen sense of the fitness of a man for a job. but when 5000 names of “eligibles” are submitted to him nominated by political favour, he cannot be blamed if all types happen to be appointed. That proves the necessity for some special basis of selection, and I can think of no better test than that of good character and an educational qualification equal to the standard I have already mentioned.- —I am, etc., • JAY DEE. October 30, 1929.