Mr Morris Farewelled At Kaitaia

Northern Advocate, 18 September 1939, Page 3

Mr Morris Farewelled At Kaitaia

On his last official visit to Kaitaia. and his last sitting ovcT the Magistrate’s Court in the circuit. Mr G. N. Morris, S.M.. was farewelled by members of the bar, justices of the peace and police at Kaitaia 6n Friday. Mr A. Logan, as the oldest member of the bar, said Mr Morris had given them wonderful assistance, and had always been approachable by members of the profession. That was one of the results of his wide experience of men. He had been in the civil service and had also seen service in the islands, which had widened his views and extended his experience. As a magistrate, his knowledge of human nature had been as useful as his knowledge of law. On the social side, Mr Morris had mot them all off the bench as friends. Mr Roy Kelly congratulated Mr Morris on the able and unbiassed manner m which he had administered justice in the district. He had carried out his duties with credit to the magistracy.

Associations of The Scot

Mr J. B. Reynolds said it was JO; privilege to say, on behalf of an, that the association between bench and bar had been of the best. Mr H. Bannister, who had known Mr Morris from the days when he Was a schoolboy, said it was a privilege to wish him Godspeed and success after his retirement. His judgment had always been just and fair. Mr Lloyd Peace thanked Mr Morris for his consideration at all times, both in and out of court.

Sergeant Simister. representing the local police force, said that during his association with Mr Morns, he had benefited from his sound advice.

Mr J. T. B. Taaffe, speaking on behalf of the justices of the peace, said the justices greatly appreciated the assistance given them by Mr Morris from time to time.

Mr Morris Replies,

Mr Morris, an reply, thanked the speakers. When he first came to the district ho was told that the mast difficult court was at Kailaia. This was attributed to the mingling of the races and the clashing of interests, but after 10 years he had come to have a strong attachment for the place, and ft was not altogether without design that he was sitting for the last time as a magistrate at Kaitaia. He had received kindness, on and off the bench, from all manner of people, and he was pleased to make his final appearance at what was regarded at first as a difficult place. For any mistakes he had made he was sorry, but lie had tried to bo fair and impartial. With regard to his relationship with the members of the profession, the time he had spent at Kaitaia had been most pleasurable. He was going out of service while he was stfil feeling young, and he was doing that more or less deliberately. The tendency with most men was lo work too long, carrying too big a strain—not that ho was looking for a life of ease and slolh, but there would bo this difference; he would choose his own work and do it in his own time. The war would make a difference, and he would not get as much ease as he had expected.