Late Sergeant Mackenzie.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 2903, 24 January 1911, Page 5

Late Sergeant Mackenzie.

TRIBUTE BY BENCH AND BAB. When the Gore Magistrate's Court was opened on Thursday morning last Mr Wm. Henderson (senior counsel), addressing the court, said he wished to express the sincere regret of the legal profession at the death of the late Sergeant Mackenzie. Deceased had never failed to duty, bat he never pressed for punishment. If he could say a good word to a prisoner he always did so, and many offenders were grateful to deceased for his kindly advice to them. His death was regretted by all who came in contact with him and he would be much missed in Gore.

Mr W. F. Inder said he fully endorsed all that Mr Henderson had said. Of the many difficulties a policeman had to meet and especially one in the position Secgeant Mackenzie had occupied none knew better than the solicitors, magistrates and justices. The police protected the public, and Sergeant Mackenzie had a keen sense of duty. He was a kind man in every sense of the word. He (Mr Inder) joined in expressing the condolence of the Bar with Mrs Mackenzie and her family in their sad bereavement.

Mr Green. J.P., said he could endorse fully all that had been said. Tboy all regretted the loss of a valuable and conscientious officer and one who was respited and trusted by the whole community. Ifr Green referred to a letter the clerk of the court had received from Mr Young, S.M., with regard to that day's court proceeding. Mr Young regretted being unable to be present, but wished to express his sense of the loss sustained by the death of Sergeant Mackenzie. The late eergeant (Mr Young said) had a high ifnm of his duty and responsibility and rendered invaluable assistance to him aa a magistrate in his judicial and adminiitrative work. Mr Martin, J.P., said he had been closely associated with Sergeant Mackenzie ever "«<*» he came to Gore. Deceased bad a most sympathetic nature and the Pippin «ho would miss him most were the old age pensioners. Many of these the late sergeant visited in their homes and rendered them all the assistance possible in applying for their pensions. He was a pun who preferred to see people doing the right thing, and was always loth to punish or take action against young offenders.

The court then adjoured for five minutes as a mark of respect to the memory of the deceased.—' Mataura Ensign.'