THE LATE MR J. S. EVANS, S.M.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18687, 17 October 1922, Page 3

THE LATE MR J. S. EVANS, S.M.

A TRIBUTE FROM THE BENCH. “HIS DEVOTION TO DUTY.” (Special to the Times.) NELSON, October 16. Mr T. E. Maunsell, S.M., who took the court work at Nelson to-day, in tho course of a touching tribute to tho late Mr J. B. Evans, S.M., said: “I desire to very earnestly associate myself with the sentiments which have been expressed by Mr Fell and Senior-sergeant Barrett on behalf of tho legal profession and of the police. From my own point of view I look upon the passing of Mr Evans as a loss_ to me, a loss of a personal friend whoso friendship 1 valued. It is true that my acquaintanceship "with Mr Evans has not been of long duration, but during the three years 1 have held magisterial office our acquaintanceship has been of a very intimate nature. He was regarded by those magistrates who knew him as one of the Roundest jurists on tho magisterial Bench. Wo have always placed a high value upon his legal knowledge and practical experience. What impressed mo most, however, about my late friend was bis great devotion to duty. did not hold office as a means of livelihood. Ho lived for duty, and his office. His work was his ono great hobby, and one of his great topics of conversation during the last three months—three very dreary months for himself, his widow, and famriy. I have seen him every week, and what seemed to cheer him most was _to discuss the work which I was performing on his account. His mental capacity was so strong and keen, 'that ho was able to discuss quite clearly with me a point of practice six days before ho passed away. I shall long remember the patience and courage he displayed from the time the doctors announced their dreaded verdict. Never once did 1 hear him complain in any shape or form, and, possessing ns he did a strong personality, ho faced his dread' enemy with resolution, and almost defiance up to the end. He told me once that he contemplated his passing away with perfect calmness. Tho only occasion when I noticed any anxiety at all about him was when his thoughts turned to those whom by the will of Providence he was shortly to leave behind.”