APPOINTING JUSTICES

Taranaki Daily News, 29 September 1930, Page 9

APPOINTING JUSTICES

discrimination denied. QUESTION OF QUALIFICATONS. Numerous inquiries as to the procedure followed in the appointment of Justices of the Peace were made in the House of Representatives last week when the Estimates of the Justice Department were under consideration. Mr. E. J. Howard (Labour—Christchurch South) said he had made the first nomination of a woman for appointment as a justice. She had all the essential qualifications and was above reproach, but she was still not appointed although the Education Department had niade her an associate magistrate. He had been told by the Hon. F. J. Rollestdn that if his nominee joined the Victoria League she would ba appointed, but Mr. Howard hoped the present Minister, the Hon. J. G. Cobbe, would not stoop to snobbery of that sort.

The Minister replied that before justices were appointed the member for the district was always acquainted with the recommendation.

The Leader of the Labour Party, Mr. H. E. Holland: Is that an established custom ?

The Minister: It is the practice when the member for the district makes a recommendation that is referred usually to a stipendiary magistrate, and, if his report is favourable, there is no reason I know of why the appointment should not be made.'

Mr, R, A. Wright (Reform —Wellington Suburbs) thought Mr. Howard had been misinformed about. Mr. Rolleston’s .policy in making appointments. Mr. Rolleston certainly laid it down that a woman to be appointed must take some part in- public life by serving on . a local body or performing social service, but he was sure membership of the Victoria League was not stipulated. “I have found it almost’ impossible -to get. a working man appointed,” said Mr. Holland. “Provided a man is suitable in other respects, I do not think the nature of his occupation should interfere -with his appointment.” Th® Leader of the Opposition, the Rt. Hom J. G. Coates, said two further justices were required in Dargaville and the same applied in several other districts. He had recommended several wages men. That was nd disability as long ae a man stood well in the district and had the respect and confidence of the community. The formula laid down by Mr. Cobbe’s predecessor of three justices for each district was hopeless. “Is the strict rule of asking, the recommendations of the member for the district followed?” asked Mr. A. M. Samuel (Reform —Thames); When the United Party into office a “spoils to the victors” policy seemed to be inaflgurtlted. He would instance one of many cases. He had received a letter from Sir Thomas Wilford asking him to endorse, a recommendation for appointment. He asked who made the recommendation and the Minister wrote agaifi: “Will you'endorse the appointment?”

Mr. Samuel said ho again asked who recommended the appointment and he also saw the Minister's secretary stating that he would not give an endorsement until he knew who made the recommendation and the matter was dropped. The man. referred to was a staunch supporter of the United Party. “Politics do not weigh one iota,” said the Minister in a further reply. “No discrimination is shown as to the politics or position of a man as long as he is honest and upright and has a certain amount of education and ability. I think it is important to have working men appointed, particularly in mining districts, and any good men recommended will be appointed, provided, of course, further justices are required. We have nearly GOOO justices now. Attention will be given to the needs of the various districts and appointments made when required.” Mr. K. S. Williams (Reform —Bay. of Plenty): And made quickly? The Minister: It is not usual to make appointments during the session, but I will go into the matter immediately after the session and the appointments will be made very soon. As a matter of fact I have not made any appointments since I took over the portfolio. Mr. Coates: Yor have been running on very safe lines so far.