New Zealand Mail. PUBLISHED WEEKLY. SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 1880.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 422, 13 March 1880, Page 14

New Zealand Mail. PUBLISHED WEEKLY. SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 1880.

"We wonder whether it has ever occurred to the Hon. the Minister of Justice that in delaying the appointment of a secondary stipendiary magistrate for this city he is jeopardising the principles and system he has sworn to foster and protect ? He not only perpetuates the infliction of a grievous wrong upon the citizens, but he imperils the dispensation of justice, opens the door to fraud, makes the way easy for the trickster's craft, and brings the dignity of the law into disrepute. "We refer to the hon. Minister personally, because, as we opine, the appointment of a second Resident Magistrate for the city rests upon his recommendation to the Executive. If he says the word, it will be done. Surely he does not need any more pressing incentive to " prick the side of his intent" than the multitude of reasons which every day brings forth, proving the urgency of the case. Tkeoreti-

cally, no doubt, the axiom that a supply creates a demand, holds good in law as in commerce. Griven increased facilities for litigation, and the number of litigants will also increase, but the rule scarcely applies to the emergencies of our Resident Magistrate's Court. The details and eventualities of every day commerce compel a multitude of people to apply to the Court for the adjustment of their differences, or the enforcement of their rights. As the commerce of the city has expanded, so also has the number and urgency of these appeals, and the increaseinent still goes on. It is folly to assert, as has been asserted, that the present machinery for the dispensation of justice is sufficient, if the public would only refrain from making too frequent appeals to law, and honesty more widely prevailed. It is not lack of moral principles, but lack of worldly pelf, which drives the majority of suitors into the Court; it is not theory but facts—stern, undeniable, everyday facts—that the controllers of law and justice have to deal with, and, so far as the business of our Resident Magistrate's Court is concerned, the proofs are overwhelming that the duty is inadequately performed. It is unnecessary to adduce instances of the perpetual delays in the adjudication of cases, and the worry, vexation and loss of time which ensues to everyone unfortunately compelled to dance attendance at the Resident Magistrate's Court. It has become a crying evil, and, for a time endured in the hope of abatement, should not be longer inflicted on the public. The worthy Resident Magistrate who now officiates does all that a man can possibly do to grapple with the constantly accumulating mass of work before him ; but were he mentally and physically a very Hercules he would fail to compass it by his own unaided efforts. At least one more Magistrate is needed, and should be instantly appointed. We appeal to the Hon. Minister of. Justice to see to this without longer dallying. The credit and dignity of the department he controls, no less than the conservance of public interests, demands that the present cause for reproach should be removed.