OUR MANGAWEKA MAN.

Manawatu Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 7828, 29 September 1903, Page 3

OUR MANGAWEKA MAN.

The New Magistrate

Parent and Teacher.

Another Chapter on "Influence.".

(Own Correspondent.) Mangaweka, Monday. j Our aew magistrate, Mr Thompson, presided at the local Court on Friday afternoon for the first time. Naturally a goodly number attended to see "what sort of a- fist'" (pardon the term) he would make. On all sides ono could hear, after the Court adjourned, most favourable opinions expressed. His decisions were short, decisive, and to tho point. He was there to do business, and the legal luminary or the police officer who thinks he will be able to waste tho time of the Court under his jurisdiction will find himself in anything but an enviable position. Although perhaps somewhat early to form an opinion, I should say, judging from his demeanour in Court here, that witnesses will be protected from the insults that have, been so frequently hurled at them by some Court officials and soli- * usiness of the Court was not of ■V'--^(.hy nature. There were several several civil* cases and two others. One under the Factories Act, in which a storekeeper was charged with employing an apprentice to the dressmaking without remuneration in the shape of pay. A fine of 10s with 7s costs was imposed. The other case was one in which a parent was summoned by the headmaster of the local school for disturbing the status quo of the school by taking two of the children home in defiance of one of the teachers. The evidence was of a very trivial nature, but the magistrate remarked it was the duty of parents, if they had any complaints against the teaching staff, to refer them to the School Committee. He would inflict a nominal penalty of Is, with Court costs 7s. The solicitor who appeared for- the headmaster applied for his costs, but these were disallowed. From time to time one hears considerable dissatisfaction expressed by those who apply for sleeper contracts. During the hearing of a civil action in connection with -this matter on Friday, a sidelight was thrown out which may account for a great deal. The plaintiff in the action was claiming, amongst other things, for bommission oh placing j orders for sleepers. In reply to the query as to how he was able to secure the order in preference to those directly interested, the plaintiff stated he wrote to .persons of influence; who, in.turn, secured the Order for him. Further pressed for the. names of these influential persons by defendant's counsel, plaintiff sought the -protection of the Bench not to divulge them, which was upheld. The above very aptly illustrates the reason why xso many of our " hard-up " little settlers cannot dispose of their sleepers, and why some of the inspectors who' ;;are "-sent up to'*;inspect and pass thetn, are so' ready to condemn 80 per cent asunfit I ■ ■ A *'■ Mr "Groves,' who has "had the contract in hand to renovate our publio library and reading room, has almost completed bis-work. An additional room has been added, .also a much-needed fireplace. The latter being the gift of Mr Waugh, our local: tinsmith. Altogether the building reflects credit to the committee (who promoted the work) and the township. The fine spring weather of the past few days has had a beneficial effect on the.district, both as regards the roads and the .growth of young grass. The various orchards promise an abundant yield, of .fruit this season. Hbhdays.galorer The public school broke up on Friday, for a week's holiday.