MOTUEKA.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XVI, Issue XVI, 9 December 1857, Page 3

MOTUEKA.

[from otrn, own cobrespoxdent.]

In stating tho fact that dissatisfaction existed relative to tiie decisions of the Magistrates in certain cases previously noticed, we avoided anything like an opinion of our own, " either upon the justice or tho legality of the judgments given," and merely made mention of tho fact ; and we were justified in such a course by the knowledge that a very large majority viewed the decisions as alike opposed to justice and law, and that certain of the parties concerned are taking legal opinions upon the propriety of bringing the matter before a superior court. We have no hesitation in stating that we do not entertain the opinions of the majority, but although the public may not have reasonable cause for dissatisfaction in these particular cases, its existence has arisen mainly from a general want of confidence, which as a necessary conscquenco ever induces a disposition to question, and produces dissatisfaction as the inevitable result, not a want of confidence in tho honour or the integrity, but in the judgment and legal knowledge of those who administer the law. At the present time there are but two magistrates in the district, and to say they have no private interests, friendships, or parly bias, would be to say more of them than of any other person within our knowledge ; and it is no disrespect to those gentlemen to assert that their decisions are nof; regarded as infallible, and that the public view them with about the same amount of confidence as they would if they were to pronounce a medical opinion. And not without some reason : it is possible that they may be learned in tho law, skilled in surgery, have an intimate knowledge of diseases and then* cure; but in the absence of proof that they possess the necessary qualifications, the public have no assurance of their proficiency.

What is really wanted in an important district like that of Motueka, if a Resident Magistrate be not appointed, is an increased number of Magistrates, with a clerk, as their legal adviser. If in the multitude of councillors there be not wisdom, the public at least would have the satisfaction in believing that their united judgment would not be influenced by personal or private opinions, and the gentleman, who without doubt have worthily fulfilled their duties, would be relieved from any such imputation.