CONGESTION OF WORK.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 9185, Issue 9185, 8 April 1910, Page 3

CONGESTION OF WORK.

(Pek Press Association.) ELTHAM, April 6.

Mr A. Greenfield, who has long since retired, is acting as relieving Magistrate pending the return of Mr Kondrick, S.M., who is absent on sick leave. In the Court to-day Mr G. P. WfJce, solicitor, audrossing his Worship, said he quite realised that the presence on the Bench of a gentleman of his Worship's age, must entail a good deal or sacrifice on his part. With all due respect. Mr Wake wished to say he did not think a gentleman of Mr Greenfield s age should be asked to discharge the important duties appertaining to the magisterial office. He. felt himself in an awkward position, but was going to ask that all contested cases be allowed to stand over until Mr Kendnck's return. He made these remarks only from the point of view of the public interest. He asked his Worship to listen to his protest, and allow such cases to stand over until Mr Kendrick's return. All the contested cases with the exception of one were adjourned, and the congestion in Court business is as bad as ever. One case has been hung up since December, and others partly hoard bv other Magistrates. No progress is being made, and all the Courts m this district arc in the same condition. Members of the local bar contend that there should be a permanent relieving Magistrate for the North Island, instead of °i retired Magistrate being pressed into the service in an emergency, ihey are forwarding a requisition to the Minister for Justice to that effect, and aro also asking for an alteration in the Magisterial district to enable one man to cope with the work, this district being larger than New Plymouth.■