MAGISTRATE’S COURT AT WAIPIRO.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2111, 20 June 1907, Page 4

MAGISTRATE’S COURT AT WAIPIRO.

THE FIRST SITTING. A COURTHOUSE WANTED. (From our own Correspondent.)

The first Magistrate’s Court held in Waipiro Bay took place on Saturday, June loth, in the Waiapu County Council Chambers, Mi - , Barton, S.M., presiding. There being a long list of criminal and civij cases set down for •hearing, the Bar was naturally well represented, Messrs. Sainsbury,. Hei, Colmaii, and Bright being present. At the opening or the Court, mr. Sainsbury rose, and in a very neat and well-delivered speech on "behalf of the Bar, welcomed "Mr. Barton as the presiding magistrate on the occasion of the first Magistrate’s Court held in AVaipiro, hoping that the friendly relations that had always existed between the Bench and the Bar would continue,, and that Mr. Barton would be spared to preside over that Court for many years to come.

Mr. Barton, in reply, thanked Mr. Sainsbury, . as representing the Bar, for his very cordial welcome.and kind expressions on this occasion, and stating that although differences of opinion might naturally be expected to arise, lie would endeavor at all times to meto out justice to the best of his ability in the interests of the community. There were in all 82 cases on the list, consisting of 32 criminal cases and 50 civil cases. The large amount of work which these cases entailed on Constable Baker and . Native Constable Taare Te Rata) and the limited time at their disposal for preparation, shows that both men are most assiduous ’in their attention to ’duty and in> their endeavors for the wel-

. Ai? fUS&kll!J{Uu faro of tlio publio generally -in this district. Tlio fact that the whole of tlio cases woro disposed of in tlio ono day s sitting rollects groat credit on the ability of the Stipendiary Magistrate to copo with such stress of work when occasion arises. It is to bo liopoil the authorities will take immediate stops for the orectioji of a courthouse lioro, the urgont necessity for which was so amply demonstrated on Saturday. tlio extra work of removing tlio records, documents, and other requisites from tlio constable’s house to'the Council Chambers is most unsatisfactory to all concerned; and although, doubtless, tlio Council willingly consented to tlio prosont arrangomont, great mcoiivoiiionco must nocessarily bo caused thoroby. The central position ot Waipiro is in itself sufficient recommendation, whilst the largo number of casos at tlio first sitting hore londs color to the supposition that the distance to Port. Awanui (20 miles) is too "Teat, and entails so much'travelling and loss of time; that tlio average inhabitant will not trouble to attond that court if lie can possibly got out of it; and, consequently, bocomea gradually indifforont respecting the suppression of crime. Then again the great expense to which tlio country is put by having to send prisoners to Napier Gaol, owing to the absonco of ndequa'to provision on tlio coast, is a matter that also calls for inimodiato attention and consideration, and should bo urged on the authorities so that tlio district will not soon outgrow its roquiromonts. People on this coast may ho considered sufficiently civilised to liavo these things attondod to; and if proper representations woro made to the Minister at this time there is a possibility of something being done, otherwise the matter might only be “kopt steadily in view.”