Malcolm Astley, late of Blenheim and formerly a stipendiary magistrate of Auckland, died recently, aged 80.
Mr Astley was admitted as a solicitor in 1927 and practiced in Dargaville, becoming a partner in the firm Astley and Worsley. During the Second World War he served in the 2nd NZEF, with the rank of Lieutenant. He was appointed a stipendiary magistrate in 1949 and moved to the Auckland Magistrate’s Court. He retired in 1968, having become New Zealand senior Magistrate.
The Cort Astley Wing at Trentham Police Training College was named in honour of Mr Astley.
A sports administrator and a member of the Dominion Executive of the New Zealand Returned Services Association, Mr Astley was also actively involved in Heritage and with the administration of Anglican childrens’ homes. He was author of the book Domestic Proceedings in New Zealand.
This obituary was published in LawTalk 132, 7 August 1981, page 6.