VALEDICTORY

Grey River Argus, 29 August 1939, Page 2

VALEDICTORY

Mr Raymond Ferner, S.M. FAREWELLED BY JUSTICES OF THE PEACE ASSOCIATION. Mr Raymond Ferner, S.M., was fareweiieu oy the West Coast (5.1.) Justices of the Peace Association, at marker’s Reception Rooms, yesterday. Mr Ferner, who leaves this week on transter to Whangarei, has been president of the Association since his arrival t 0 take up his duties in the West Coast district some 3i years ago, and it is due to Mr. Ferner that the Association is such a flourishing and active one to-day. There was an attendance of over 30 members from all parts of the district. Mr W. Meidrum, a former Stipendiary Magistrate at Greymouth, in asking Mr Ferner’s acceptance of a tangible token of appreciation, m the form of an order paper to purchase something that would act as a perpetual reminder of his association with the West Coast Justices of the Peace, said that it was with mixed feelings of regret and pleasure that he expressed on behalf of members of the Association, their pleasure of the work he had carried out on their behalf, and also of Ls work whilst Magistrate of this district. Mr Ferner came from a warmer climate, bur had fitted in in a wonderful way with the work entailed in this district. He had carried out his work as a Magistrate to the utmost satisfaction of all people in the community. It was therefore wih feelings of regret that they were losing him, and they would much rather ne stayed here. However, the call had come to him to go north again, and he had accepted an appointment in the Whangarei district. He was sure Mr Ferner would adapt himself there as he was conversant with the Auckland district. He would, however, miss the wonderful scenery of the West Coast of the South Island. The West Coast was a district in the process of development, and in fact was only half developed yet. Mr Ferner was going to a district that was noi Tuny developed, but was perhaps more advanced than the West Coast. Mr Ferner would find the district there a very fine one, as he (Mr Meidrum) knew, having been born there, whilst he had also lived there ror a goon many years. It had a wonderful climate. ’ He felt Mr Ferner would HU his position there with equal satisfaction, and in the same way as he had done on the West Coast. He thanked Mr Ferner for his practical work in improving and enlivening tne Association, and conveyed best wishes of all members to Mr and Mrs Ferner and family for the future. | Mr P. J. McLean also added his tribute, stating that Mr Ferner’s workon behalf of the Association had been greatly appreciated. His departure was regretted, but his good work would remain a monument, both as president of the Association, and as tt Magistrate. Mr Ferner, he said, had rightly and justly upnetd his position on the bench. ■

Mr M. H. Coulson < Hokitika) on behalf of Hokitika justices of the Peace, expressed regret at Mr Ferner’s departure. They were all indebted to him, not only the Association, but all the good people of this district. The West Coast had been fortunate in the calibre of its Magistrates. He felt that Mr Ferner had the admiration of all, by reason of the dignity in which he had upheld his office, and that dignity was reflected through ths Association. Mr Joseph Taylor, the oldest member of the Assocation, said that he was exceedingly sorry to see Mr Ferner leaving their midst, but he could do so realising that he had done a lot of good in bringing about good fellowships amongst the Justices of the Peace; also in his position of

trate he had served the district faithfully and well. Mr J. Ryan, on behalf of the Otira L’ne Justices of the Peace, endorsed the remarks of previous speakers, and extended best wishes for good health to Mi’ and Mrs Ferner and family m their new location. un-ni Mr Frank McGregor (Hokitika), speaking as a member of the Licensing Bench, expressed regret at m Ferner’s departure. Mr Ferner he said, had been quite one of themselves and had given them quite a lot of knowledge and instruction, h pot on well with him. . g Mr. G. Miller (Runanga), said that he learned with regret of Mr. Ferner s departure, as he was undoubtedly a fine Magistrate who always mingk, equity with law, and got on with and was very much appreciated by t..e masses. ‘ He only hoped Mr. Ferner would serve the people where he was going as well as he had served them on the West Coast. Mr D. A. McVicar said that th. decisions of Mr. Ferner, in all cases, had been fair, and in the right spirit. Mr. J. M. Bunt, a member of the executive, referred to Mr. f einei as the re-creator of the Association, stating that ft was not until Mr. Ferner arrived that it functioned like it was doing to-day. Mr. F. A. Kitchingham said that prior to coming to the West Coast, Mr. Ferner was Mayor of Mount Albert and if reports were correct he had spent a good many years of hard work in rehabilitating, the finances of that borough. If he stayed here longer, they might want to engage him on that work here. Mr. Kitchingham referred to Mr. Ferner’s good work on behalf of the Association. He said that a solicitor with a semi-poli-tical life such as Mr. Ferner had experienced, w’as well adapted for such a position as he held. He w'as glad Mr. Ferner had given a lead and his successors in time to come would be able to take part in the same activities.

Mr. M. J'. Fogarty, Registrar, said that in this position he came into close contact with Mr. Ferner, and realised his many fine qualities. He expressed regret at Mr. Ferner’s departure. Mr. J. B. Kent said that a lot more could be said of Mr. Ferner’s efforts. He said that many people took positions on bodies and that was all there was to it, but Mr. Ferner was untiring in his efforts and was always meticulous, and gave of his best, often putting them on the right track.

On rising to reply, Mr. Feme;’ was greeted with applause, and the singing “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” He said he felt he was not deserving of half of what had been said, but ho had endeavoured to dispense ’ justice with an even hand, and with the broad rather than technical interpretation of the law, stating the Magistrate’s Court was the people’s court. His task had been assisted by the fact that he had been amongst a warm hearted people. He would always have pleasant memories of his association with the West Coast Justices of the Peace, and it was his earnest wish that it would continue to prosper. The Association had been enlivened with the idea of good fellowship in order that the largest number possible could gather to further justice. He returned thanks for the gift, and whatever he and Mrs. Ferner decided on securing as a reminder of their happy sojourn on the West Coast, he would duly notify the Registrar. He thanked Mr. Fogarty for his earnest co-operation, and good work on behalf of the Association; also Mr. N. V. Lovell for his efforts as honorary official reporter of their proceedings. He felt that Mr. Lovell’s work in that direction shSuld be acknowledged. He was glad to be going back amongst his own people and a climate that treated hjm well, but parting brought its pangs, as he was severing hjs con-

nection with the West Coast people and its wonderful scenery. He extended an invitation to members to visit him should they ever go to Whangarei, as he would always retain a feeling of interest in this district, just as he did of Mt. Albert.