MR. R. W. TATE FAREWELLED

Taranaki Daily News, 21 January 1933, Page 5

MR. R. W. TATE FAREWELLED

GATHERING AT WAITARA. POLICE, LAWYERS AND JUSTICES. Complimentary references to the work and influence of Mr. R. W. Tate during the years in which he presided over the Waitara Court as stipendiary magistrate were made yesterday when members of the legal profession, the police and several justices of the peace met in the courthouse to farewell him prior to his retirement. Appreciation of the helpful manner in which Mr. Tate had always presided over the Court was expressed by Mr. L G. Prichard on behalf of the legal profession. Mr. Tate had always performed his duties under the most cordial relationship with .the Bar, he said. During his period of office the nature of the cases that usually occupied the Court had changed considerably, and with the increased number of cases arising from the driving of motor-cars and the development of such chamber work as that necessary under the Mortgagors’ Relief Act, an enormous amount of' study must have been necessary for the magistrate. One result of the depression, however, had been the disappearance of contested claims for small sums. For the assistance given in order that deserving people might receive pensions when they were entitled to them, and for the help and Mr. Tate had always been willing, to give members of the legal profession, Mr. Prichard seetended thanks.

On behalf of the people of Waitara and the justices of the peace Mr. J. Hine expressed regret at Mr. Tate’s departure and the appreciation felt in all quarters of the manner in which Mr. Tate had filled the office. Mr. Hine hoped that retirement would mean many years of happiness for Mr. and Mrs, Tate.

Similar expressions were voiced by Constable J. Tocher. From the point of view of a police officer it had been a very agreeable duty to serve under the jurisdiction of Mr. Tate, he said. •/Pleasure that the different representatives should speak in such a manner was expressed by Mr. Tate in reply. Breaking a connection of many years and leaving a district which he knew was a matter for regret, but it was gratifying to know that he left an atmosphere of good feeling behind him. As far as the police were concerned, he had been impressed during his years on the Bench with the fairness of the police in conducting their cases. Such an attitude was of great value to the community, and he doubted if innocent persons were often convicted. Such a happy position was a triumph for law and the administration of justice—and the police were vitally concerned. The justices of the peace had always been most helpful and, if he had assisted them, he was glad, for it was part of his duty. Justices of the peace relieved the arduousness of the magistrate’s lot Practically all the cases that arose in the Police Court were ones that come under the jurisdiction of the J’sJP. , z . “Only when you have exercised jurisdiction in a district where the standard of education is low can you appreciate the precise manner in which the Taranaki legal profession present their cases,” said Mr. Tate in acknowledging the remarks of Mr. Prichard. “The legal men can be of great assistance to a magistrate.” Sorrow that he should be leaving the associations he had made and ’pleasure that he would be able to look back upon an atmosphere of goodwill was expressed by Mr. Tate.