The Sun.
London, England, 1848-02-03 00:00:00

NEW ZEALAND BILL.

Mr. LABOUCHERE stated, in answer to a
question put by Lord Lincoln, that it was the in-
tention of the Government to proceed with the New
Zealand Bill to-morrow if possible.
MISCONDUCT OF OMNIBUS DRIVERS.

Colonel SIBTHORPE stated that in consequence
of the gross misconduct of the omnibus drivers, there
was great danger to aged and infirm persons who
were in the habit of travelling in the metropolis.
He had himself, upon several occasions, very narrowly
escaped receiving serious injuries, and he trusted that
the Secretary of State for the Home Department
would adopt some measure to put down the nuisance.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL rose for the pur-
pose of obtaining leave to bring in four Bills to
facilitate the performance of the duties of Justices
of the Peace. It would not be necessary for him to
interpose at any length between the House and the
motion of the Noble Lord (Lord George Bentinck),
by entering at any great length into the details of his
measures. Although there might be differences of
opinion in that House with respect to the quantity
of power to be given to the magistrates, still there
could be no doubt that it was the duty of the House
to protect those persons in the due discharge of their
duties.—(Hear, hear.) It was at present very
difficult for the magistrates to discharge their duties
without being subject to many vexations actions.—
He thought that he should be able, by means of those
four Bills, to combine the provisions of the numerous
acts now in existence relative to the subject. In
three of the present acts he had introduced
nothing new ; his object had been to se-
lect and embody together the various enact-
ments and decisions which regulated the conduct
and performance of the duties of magistrates. One
of the present Bills contained a provision for enabling
magistrates to hold special sessions in a more fitting
and appropriate manner than they were at present
held, by causing suitable buildings, when required, to
be erected for the purpose, instead of holding their ses-
sions, as they were now frequently compelled to do, in
public-houses ; also a provision for the payment of ma-
gistrates' clerks by salary instead of by fees. The Bill
would also contain a proviso for equalising the fees in
all parts of the country. The power of receiving the
fee was to be accounted for to the country. The
other was a Bill to facilitate the performance of the
duties of the Justices of Peace out of sessions within
England and Wales, with respect to persons charged
with indictable offences. The third Bill was one to
facilitate the performance of the duties of justices of
the peace out of sessions within England and %V ales,
with respect to summary convictions and orders.
The last of the measures was to make the whole sub-
ject complete, and was calculated to afford adequate
protection the magistrates in the discharge of their
duties. Should the House agree with him upon the prin-
ciple of the measure, and afford them a second reading
He should be quite content to allow the next session
to intervene before they proceeded to committee upon
the Bills. Numerous improvements might, no
doubt, be made in the course of the discus-
sion upon the Bill ; and he should be
most happy to receive the assistance of
lion. Members on either side of the House. The
subject was a very large one, and although the
present measure "eight not be perfect, still he thought
that it was a step in the right direction.
Sir JOHN PAKINGTON would follow the
example of his Learned Friend the Attorney-General,
and refrain from making any extended observations
on the sketch which his Learned Friend had given of
the Bill. He confessed, however, that he had listened
with some anxiety to hear what the intentions of his
Hon. and Learned Friend upon this subject were,
and he could not help briefly expressing his
thanks for the admirable, though concise,
sketch his Hon. and Learned Friend had given
of the measure. The object his llon. and Learned
Friend had in view was certainly most praiseworthy,
and he for one sincerely trusted his Hon. and Learned
Friend would be able to accomplish it. He entirely
concurred with his Honourable and Learned Friend
that any arrangement that could be made for prevent-
ing the holding of petty sessions, was of the greatest
importance ; but he was afraid the expense of such
a change would be found a great difficulty in the
way of accomplishing it.—(Hear, hear.)
Mr. CRIPPS wished to know whether the Bill
would limit the power of the judges of the local courts
with regard to actions for limited damages. He
did not know whether the Honourable and
Learned Gentleman had heard any complaints
upon that point; but he could assure the Hon.
and Learned Gentleman that they
with were
the exceedingly
common for actions for damages, view !af
harassing magistrates, were duly being brought in
g
these local courts.
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said the Bill did
not embrace the point alluded to by the Honourable
Member; but, of course, if the Committee and the
House determined that the Bill ehould take cognizance
of this matter, he could have no objection to it.
Mr. HIJINIE, hoped, if the public were not to have
the protection of the law against the improper
proceedings of justices of the peace, Government
would adopt some rule, providing that no
vidual should be appointed a Magistute, until
that he was fit mid duly qualified for the
office. For his part, however, he was opposed to all
unpaid services. Snch an opinion, coming from
him, might seem strange; but upon taking a list of
the public departments, lie had generally found from
the highest eo the lowest offices; that were unpa
eid
lened that th y
services appeared, it invariably app
had to be paid for indirectly, or in some improper
mode.—(Hear, hear.) He, therefore, held that they
were in error, in having so many unpaid magisirates.
Leave was then giveu to bring in the Bill, as well
as others relating to the same subject.
WEST INDIES.
Lord G. BENTINCH then rose, pursuant to
notice, to move for a Select Committee to inquire
into the present condition and prospects of the inte-
rests connected with and dependent on sugar and
coffee planting in her Majesty's East and West In-
dian possessions and the Mauritius ; and to I
consider whether any and what measures
can be adopted by Parliament for their relief.