Wider Powers for Justices of the Peace

Horowhenua Chronicle, 14 July 1933, Page 2

Wider Powers for Justices of the Peace

LORD BLEDISLOE’S SOUND ADVICE

AUCKLAND, July 12.

Referring to the agitation to obtain wider powers'for Justices of the Peace at the annual social of the Auckland Justices of the Peace Association, the Governor-General said: “It is not for me to attempt to reflect the views of the Government, but I cannot help thinking, if you will lot me say so, that the surest way of realising this laudable ambition is to take every step in your power to prevent unworthy people joining your ranks. If the office of Justice of the Peace is to be held in high honour and repute it is important that it 1)0 restricted to men and women who have clean lives and upright characters, wlio have a reasonable standard of education, a good knowledge of the world and their fellow countrymen, and judgment that can be relied upon to bo sound, fair and unprejudiced. “If you can manage to prevent those who have not those qualifications from entering your ranks you will do much to raise the prestige of this organisation, and as population of this country increases the Government will be bound to delegate more responsible duties to you than you at present enjoy. From what I know of the efficiency of these who belong to your association I am perfectly certain that when that time comes such confidence will be justified. ’'

Lord Bledisloe also referred to the proposal to appoint women police in New Zealand. “It might be well," he commented, “to see for a little longer how the system of women poilce works in much more populous countries than yours before you embark on this course.''