MAGISTRATE RETIRES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22628, 16 January 1937, Page 13

MAGISTRATE RETIRES

MR. J. S. BARTON'S SERVICES PRIVATE COMMERCIAL POST [I)Y TELKGRAFH —PftESS association] WELLINGTON, Friday The Prime Minister, Mr. M. J. Savage, to-day anr.ounced that Mr. J. S. Barton, S.M., is retiring from his office as magistrate and from the special service which he hc.s been rendering the past two and a-half years under the direction of the Minister of Finance. The Government was very sorry to lose Mr. Barton's services, said Mr. Savage. Much of his work had been of a public character and the country would not readily forget his outstanding services in the reconstruction of Napier and on the Companies Investigation Commission. In addition to that

members of the Cabinet had found reason to value the work that .Mr. Barton undertook from time to time in an advisory capacity and in making special investigations. Recently Mr. Barton had discussed with the Prime Minister the possibility of his leaving the Government service to take charge of the affairs of a New Zealand financial institution controlling over a quarter of a million of funds, representing popular savings .and investments. While theu expressing regret at che prospect of losing Mr. Barton Mr. Savage agreed that the new task represented an important public service, and that in it he would still command confidence and success. The institution referred to is the New Zealand Investment Trust, the reorganisation of the directorate of which has been completed. Mr. Barton has accepted the position of managing director and other additions to the board are Messrs. M. 0. Barnett, solicitor, Wellington; W. 0. Gibb, insurance manager, Wellington; and D. G. Stewart, public accountant, Wellington.