The justice of the peace of every justice court shall mail a notice to each of the attorneys of record, or, to the plaintiff where there is no licensed attorney representing the plaintiff, in every pending civil action, suit or proceeding in their respective courts in which no proceedings have been had or papers filed for a period of more than one year. The notice shall state that each such case will be dismissed by the court for want of prosecution 60 days from the date of mailing the notice, unless, on or before the expiration of the 60 days, application, either oral or written, be made to the court and good cause shown why it should be continued as a pending case. If such application is not made or good cause is not shown, the court shall dismiss each such case. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent the dismissing at any time, for want of prosecution, of any suit, action or proceeding upon motion of any party thereto. [1953 c.360 § 1]