THE MAGISTERIAL BENCH.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXI, Issue 15451, 1 November 1910, Page 7

THE MAGISTERIAL BENCH.

Jill NORTIICROFT’S EXTRAORDINARY ALLEGATIONS. [Pirn Pnsss Association,] AUCKLAND, October 31. Somo strong comments were passed on the judicial system as relating to magistrates by Mr H. W. Ncrthcrolt, S.M., this altorncon, when a pro&.ntauoii was miKiO to lum on ms retirement from tho Magisterial Bench. “ Our magistrates are not independent,” said Jlr iNoitherort. “ 4hoy are subject too much to political interference.” He went on to say that thin constituted a grave danger to the fairness and impartiality with which a magistrate ought to carry out. I,is work. Axagistartos, lie continued, had industries and other disputes brought heforo them outride their usual judicial work, and constant endeavours were made from influential sources to bring thorn under tho whip. In concluding Mr Nortlieroft said it was t.ie dttv of citizens in tho young dominion, while there was yet timo, to move in the matter of making magistrates as independent asSuprcrno Court judges-