IN PARLIAMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3336, 30 September 1911, Page 2

IN PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE 0“ representatives. THE APPOINTMENT OF JUSTICES. irEB PRESS ASSOCIATION.!. WELLINGTON, Sept. 29. The House met at 2.30 when it went into eonimitte-o on the Estimates. Justice Department, £376,830. —Mr Rhodes (Ellesmere) asked. that further consideration bo given to recommendations from members for appointments of justices of the peace. Mr Fisher (Wellington Central) said the Attorney-General had stated in Ashburton that members were always consulted when appointments were being made, but this he knew was not so. Mr Buchanan (Wairarapa) said he had never been consulted m this way, and lie could not say lie favored the course. , The Hon. J. A. Millar said that a number of persons proposed for appoint, ment had not been appointed, because they did not express their willingness to accept appointments. Some members recommended over twenty people for appointment in one electorate, and. at present there were ovr 2000 applications on the roll. At the present rate of addition it would not he long before half the male population was on the roll of justices. The Crown Law Office, was doing its work well, and the Department may in future be extended! to other centres. In the meantime the Government would adhere to the present system, which, if successful, would be extended to other centres. In reply to Mr Massey, the Hon. J. A. Millar stated that he understood the Webster claims had been settled. The House adjourned at 5.30 p.m. AUCKLAND PRISON SCANDAL. POLICE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATION. The House resumed an 7.30, the Justice Department estimates being con-; tinued. In connection with the vote for Magistrates and Wardens Courts, Mr. Clark drew the attention of the. Minister to the manner in which magistrates sometimes treated old men coming before thorn. He instanced the case of a man of 82, who was applying for a pension, and who was cross-examined by the magistrate as if the pensioner was endeavoring to get what he was not entitled to. Mr Laurenso.il said it would bo a good thing if the Minister got the Under-Secretary for Justice to drop magistrates a circular asking them to treat old age pensioners will all due consideration. Mr. Clark said he was quite prepared to give the whole particulars of the case, which showed shameful treatment of an old man.. The Hon. J. A. Millar said if the lion, gentleman furnished him with the particulars, he would inquire into the matter. At the prisons vote, Mr. Arnold asked that’ the evidence taken in connection with the Auckland case recently would be laid upon the table. The warder in that case had been dismissed, but he would like to know what was to be 'done with the man’s chief. Mr. Massey said it was a very great pity that these inquiries were held in secret, and he hoped the papers in this Auckland case would be laid on the table as soon as possible, so that the House could discuss vne matter. The Hon'. J. A. Millar said the report of the inquiry would be laid on the table. At the police vote, several members urged that the police should receive an increase in pay, whicn at present was small, while their duties were arduous and responsible. Mr. Herdman asked for an Appeal Tribunal for the police. Mr. Arnold paid a high compliment to the Under-Secretary for Justice for his administration of the Police Department. He was the right man in the right place, but Mr. Arnold considered it would he desirable to have a man of practical knowledge and broad experience to advise the .Under-Secre-tary in all practical matters concerning the administration of tlie police, and it would probably be necessary to send out of the Dominion to secure such an officer. The Hon. J. A. Millar said it would only he a matter of time when a man would have to be imported from Home. It would, under the circumstances, be better to adopt such a course than to promote a member of the New Zealand service. A man of wide experience would be essential: a man who would be also an expert adviser. Mr. Massey said there was at least one man in New Zealand who was thoroughly competent to fill the position; The Hon. J. A. Millar said they were going on very well at present under the administration of the Undersecretary of Justice, and there was no immediate intention of importing a man from abroad. Tlie Justice Department vote was passed unaltered. ... . . , Mines. Department, £27,136. —Mr Okey spoke of the necessity for greater activity in the survey branch. The Minister said it was a question of finance. (Left Sitting.)