Honorary Justices of the Peace

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 297, 16 December 1939, Page 9

Honorary Justices of the Peace

MEETING OF MANAWATU ASSOCIATION A gathering of Justices of the Peace, including four ladies, was held in Palmerston North on Wednesday. When afternoon tea had been disposed of and musical items contributed by Messrs John Brown, Len Wood and G. Dawson, the president (Mr. J. H. Stevens) addressed the meeting. The report presented by Mr. J. A. McLeavey, honorary registrar, and the president, extended a cordial welcome to the informal meeting on behalf of the association (comprising Palmerston North, Feilding, Levin, Dannevirke and other centres). “Wo are reminded of the ‘Guardians of the Peaco’ founded by the King of England for peace and friendly relations among his subjects,” tho report continued. “Judiciary powers were added when the title of Justices of the Peace was given a century later. Iu token of that original title and that of the Federated Honorary Justices Association it is proposed to establish a quarterly meeting for the promotion of friendship by contact—then we may realise and appreciate the reality of that quaint philosophy—‘ The only person we do not like is one we do not know.' May we for a Drlef moment consider some of the privileges of a Justice of the Peace. “Having many opportunities to assist aged persons, invalids, widows, and orphans in preparing and attesting worthy claims under the Social Security Act. “Conferring with and learning to know your fellow Justices through personal contact on occasions of this nature. “Opportunities to confer with the Stipendiary Magistrate and Court officers for information. “Access to books of reference, the Handbook, or other periodicals of interest to Justices provided by the association. “The right to wear tne medallions of the association of which you may be a member. This also entitles you to the privilege of an introduction to other Justices when travelling at home or abroad. It may oven be used as a 4 certificate of character' which has been facetiously defined as ‘a good thing for those who need it.' “As a guide to the many pensioners, business men, and others who now require to make statutory declarations, the initials J.P. may be added to your name in the telephone directory if desired. 4 ‘lt is believed that after this war an appeal by our New Zealand Federation, if made through the British Associated Justices of the Peaco to every similar institution throughout the world, would have a marked influence in initiating a strategic movement for universal peace. “ ‘Then shall all shackles fall; the stormy clangour of wild war music o'er tho earth shall cease. Love shall tread out the baleful fire of anger, and in its ashes plant the Tree of Peace.' ” The folowing remits for the forthcoming conference of delegates at Wellington on March 12 were presented to the meeting:— ”That in token of our original purpose and. designation as ‘ Guardians of tho Peace,' it is believed that after this war ends, an appeal by our New Zealand Federation should be made through the British Associated Justices to every similar institution throughout the world and that it would have a marked influence in creating and maintaining universal peace and friendship.” ‘ ‘ That in view of our increased honorary services and personal costs, official I stamps to the value of £3 should be supplied to each of the 16 Justices Associations.” “That the right to wear the association's medallion should be strictly confined to those who are financial members of any one of our 16 associations.” “That the Justice Department should promptly publish a Justices Handbook with all amendments and supply them for the use of honorary justices.” “That the chief postmaster in each district should be asked to assist in revising the list of justices within his pos'tai boundaries. ’ ’ “That in all main centres a room should be reserved in some central position where justices may keep their official books and periodicals for reference, hold.meotings and be interviewed by persons - who require their signatures. ” “That owing to the increasing demand for their services justices should not be required to serve on common juries.''