In the absence of the President, I move this Vote: "That a sum not exceeding £28,000 be granted to complete the sum necessary to defray the charge which will come in the course of payment during the year ending 31st March, 1924, to pay the salaries and expenses of District Justices (The District Justices (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1923)." (A sum of £14,000 had already been voted on account.)
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE—ESTIMATES FOR PUBLIC SERVICES. - DISTRICT JUSTICES.
Mr. O'HIGGINS
Can the Minister tell us whether the appointments of District Justices are only of a temporary character, and will only last, as originally intended, for one year?
Mr. O'HIGGINS
The District Justices who are at present functioning have been appointed only for one year. If the Deputy asks me to foreshadow whether they are likely to be permanent, I should say that they are. A Bill will be introduced shortly along the lines of the Report of the Judiciary Committee, and that Bill will provide, amongst other things, for District Justices. There will be certain changes in the jurisdiction, but the District Justice, as we know him now, is likely to remain.
Question put and agreed to.