MAGISTRATES’ COURTS

Grey River Argus, 9 June 1933, Page 5

MAGISTRATES’ COURTS

POSSIBLE RE-ORGAN-ISATION On English Lines MORE USE OF JUSTICES. (Per Press Association). ’ CHRISTCHURCH, June 8. Re-organisation of Magistrates’ Courts in New Zealand to bring them more into line with English practice, is contemplated by the Minister of Justice. Hon. Mr John Cobbe, who t°‘ day told the Executive of the Canter bury Justices of the Peace Association that he was conducting an investiga tion, which might result in their services being called on much more frequently. ‘‘l am afraid that out here wt» do not make full use of our Justices of tb 0 Peace,” said the Minister. “At Home a Stipendiary Magistrate is v ( 'ry seldom a lawyer. Hu is usually a retired soldier, and the bulk of the work is done by the Justices of the Peace, who ar e on the Bench with him.” “1 have been considering whether we could do a little in this direction in New Zealand. I have already consulted one or two prominent men on the question as to whether we could not make greater use of our Justices of the Peace. After all they have good common sense and a business knowledge and those are the main thing.” Air Cobbe said he proposed to go fur ther into the matter with Air Dallard, Under-Secretary for Justice.