THE MAGISTRACY.
10 THE EDITOR. SiR.--Rcconl.ly the Government appointed Mr J. b. Evans, a solicitor at Invercargill, to ho a magistrate and warden, ami in a recent issue of the Southland Times it is stated that he has been instructed to take charge of the Wnkatipu district. This announcement is causing a good deal of public comment and dissatisfaction, seeing that Mr Evans was practising in this district from 1903 to the date of his appointment. If tlio Government is in earnest, and puts Mr Evans in charge of the district, it is reversing the well-known rule that, when a solicitor is raised to the Bench he is not appointed to the district where he has boon practising as a solicitor. lo do so is not fair to the public nor to Hie magistrate himself. It is obvious that in many coses, whatever decision Mr Evans may give, it will be open to be misconstrued, ami particularly where recent clients of his are before the court. Whatever way you look at the matter, the magistrate will bo in a.n oxtremelv awkward position, and it is not right to place him in such a. situation. The principle involved is of public importance, and it i 6 to be hoped that the Government will reconsider the matter and appoint some stranger to take charge.I am, etc., Pro Bono Publico. May 6.'
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Otago Daily Times, Issue 14211, 12 May 1908, Page 7
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229THE MAGISTRACY. Otago Daily Times, Issue 14211, 12 May 1908, Page 7
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