THE NEW MAGISTRATE.

Evening Post, Volume XLIX, Issue 114, 15 May 1895, Page 2

THE NEW MAGISTRATE.

Mr. Joseph W. Poynton, who has jasfc bsen appointed Stipendiary Magistrate for the Inveroargill district, ia a native of Kynoton, Victoria, having been born there in 1861. When only 18 months old he was brought over to New Zealand by his parents, and he has lived in the colony ever since. After a short residence at the Bluff his parents went to live at InveroargiU, where they remained until he was five years of age, when they took him to tho West Coast. His father began mining at Maori Creek, in the Groy diatriot, soon after arrival on the Coast, and oontinned to dig tor gold for a number of years. The new Magistrate is practically a selfeducated man, as he was only able to obtain a littlo schooling at Maori Creek, where ho remained until he had reached man's estate. At the age of 12 he commenoed to work in his father's claim, and he continued to assist there until he was 20. During the latter part of his rosidgnoo at Maori Creak ho was appointed a Justioe of the Peace, and bo then began to study the law, passing the general knowledge examination bofore he left the Coast, without the slightest assistance from any person. In March, 1890, he came to Wellington, and at once began to prepare for the legal part of his examination, whioh ho passed in tho following September. In January, 1891, ho commenced to practise as a barrister and solicitor, and he has been engaged in tho profession until now. Mr. Poynton has always taken a warm intorest in political matters, and during his residence in Wellington has also frequently lootured on soientiHo subjeota. He is to leave Wellington next Wednesday, and will begin his magisterial career by presiding at the Court at Winton on the 27th instant. Mr. Rawson, whom he is to succeed at Inveroargill, is to be transferred to tha Lake Wukatipu distriot, in plaoe of Mr. Nugent Wood, who is retiring after SO years' service. Mr. Poynton' 8 salary is to be .£4OO a year, with the uaual travelling allowances.