JUSTICES’ GIFT

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 267, 13 October 1941, Page 2

JUSTICES’ GIFT

MR R. M. WATSON HONOURED. ]n the Magistrate’s Court, this morning, the opportunity was taken by JocaJ Justices of tJie Peace to make a presentation to Mr 11. M. Watson, who recently retired from tho office of Magistrate in Feilding and district. Those present were Mrs J. Darragh, Messrs A. J. Geary, V. E. Smith, J.. Gorpc, J. S. Tingey, W. E. Carthew and A. J. Kellow. Mr Geary, who presided, stated that the local justices recognised the valuable services rendered bv Air Watson and felt that they eoidd not allow tho occasion of his retirement to pass without showing their appreciation and good wishes. He apologised lor the absence of Mrs C. E. Taylor, J.P., who is at present in Dunedin. Hon. J. G. Cobbe, M.P., who made the presentation, comprising 12 volumes of “Centennial Surveys,” on behalf of those present, expressed his appreciation of the services of Mr Watson and said he was pleased that he would be remaining in the town, in which he would be able to make available bis wide knowledge and ability. The speaker referred to the important offices Mr Watson had filled in and out of the Dominion. His ability as a Magistrate was widely recognised and he i was characterised bv his outspoken {and independent utterances in administering justice. Air Cobbe referred to the guest’s war service and his appointment as Chief Justice in Samoa; j the excellent diction and informative .nature of his book “History of I Samoa,” the personal assistance given by Air Watson to Mr Cobbe when the I latter was Minister of Defence, the important commissions presided over by Air Watson and other activities associated with justice. Air Cobbe said Air Watson had the good wishes of the Justices of the Peace for a long and happy life. Air J. S. Tingey endorsed J the remarks made by the previous speaker and referred to the keen interest taken bv Air Watson in the town i.n which he had lived ior over 20 years as Alagisfrate. He had given liberally to worthy objectives and his interest in the beautification of Denbigh Square and Kimbolton .Road had been most marked.

Air Watson, in acknowledging the sentiments expressed and the valuable gift, said that ho appreciated deeply the kindly thoughts which had prompted the arranging of the function, lie paid tribute to the valuable service rendered by the justices who, ho said, formed an important part in the judicial.system of the Dominion, particularly in the country districts. As a centre Feilding should become important; it was a natural hub. To All' Cobbe the town owed much, continued the speaker, who mentioned that Air Cobbe bad done much to keep Feilding as a magisterial centre covering nine other placer. Referring to the welfare of the town and district, Air Watson advised those present to get the road communications which drain into Feilding into better order. Situated as a natural hub, Feilding should sec Lliat the spokes of the wheel were maintained in first-class condition. “All too much traffic goes r.ound the town rather than through it,” he added. He was hopeful that in the future the Sandon Road would be improved to link up with Ohakea and the Rangitikei district as a main highway, giving access to Feilding by a shorter route. ;