NOTE OF THE DAY.

Gisborne Times, Volume LVI, Issue 6322, 27 February 1922, Page 4

NOTE OF THE DAY.

THE COURT SITTINGS ON THE COAST. Tlie decision to hold Court sittings at Euatorea in place of Port Awairai is causing a great deal of controversy in the portioji of the East Coast that will bo affected by tho change. It is a matter of history that for over TO years Court sittings have taken place at Port Awaunii but the growth of inland population due to the opening,of the northern route via Euatorea instead of following the coast-line, makes it certain that, socner or later, Euatorea should be adopted as tlie Court centre instead of Port Awanui. Wliat is now. the subject, of controversy_ is whether or not the time is quite ripe for the projected alteration. In some quarters the opinion is strongly held that the alteration should be deferred pending the re-bridging of the VVaiapu river and the .improvement, of the roads. As matters now stand, it is 1 a shorter journey for residents of To Araroa and Hick's Bay with Court business to transact to go to Port Awanui, the saving in the journey being about seven miles either way, whilst the residents of Tikitiki are in the same position in regard to the matter. • Thus it comes about that the only people who would gain by the removal of the Court to Euatorea are those resident around and south of that rising township. As a counter-proposal there is a petition i:n circulation 'suggesting that tlie new Court-house site should be at Tikitiki. With the Waiapu uiibridged and the roads in so imperfect a condition in bad weather, it is, however, not at all likely that the Judicial authorities will favor that proposal as. in a time of storm, it would bo a great inconvenience if the magistrate, court officials, members of the Bar, and litigants and witnesses from tho southern side of the river were to be held up in Tikitiki. The Department’s plan to have a Court-house at Euatorea and another at Te Araroa in tlie future appears to be very sound, but the question arises as to whether or not Euatorea should be adopted at present as a Court centre in place •!' Port Awanui. We should say that further re-consideration of the matter should result in the Department deferring action meantime on tlie grounds that have been outlined.