A LONG CAREER.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14854, 20 December 1913, Page 8

A LONG CAREER.

RETIREMENT OF SIR JOSHUA WILLIAMS. FAREWELLED BY LEGAL PROFESSION. (ST-C-U. TO ''TH.. PRESS.") DUNEDIN, December 19. The legal profession said farewell today to _•_- Joshua Williams, K.C. Mr J. H. Mosking, X.C, the principal speaker, said:—''A generation of lawyers has passed away since you first too- your seat on the Bench. It was suoaequent to your doing so that all of us, with two exceptions, entered upon our professional life in tnis judicial district, aim you _ad for some time held olhce beioie any of us who now practise at the liar oegan our lorensic eUorts. lou admitted most of us; we have, tnereiorv, had every opportunity of learning to appreciate your patience and courtesy, oiten exercised under trying cii cum.taiices, and to realise the great !c__ wnicn your resiguation meai-i. aitnough you will still be availaole for tne services of the Empire _l__where. It is well said that 'It is not lor him to boast that girdeth on his harness, but for him that layeth it down.' That time has been reached by your Honour in New Zealand, and you" have the assurance of tho profession that you may look back upon your judicial career with a just pride and satisfaction. Memories of your Honour will always remain in our hearts, and from our hearts wo now ask you to accept our affectionate farewell." His Honour in reply said: — "Friends. As Mr Hosking said, the generation of lawyers which was in existence when 1 lirst sat on the Bench has passed away, and a new generation has arisen. The new generation, I am hannv to say, is in no way inferior to the"old. When 1 was admitted to the Bench the rules of practice -in this Court were cumbrous. I will not say cumbrous, because they were full of new and unworkable provisions. Since that time, however, our practice has boon completely reformed, and I think ono may say with truth that in no part of the Empire can justice be moro speedily and efi'ectually administered than in this country. The new generation of lawyers has been happy in not having to learn tho number ot technicalities which prevailed under the old system. They can now give their attention more fully to the truo science of the law. lam happy to think that during those many years I have been here the profession and myself have worked happily together. I havo received from the profession the greatest kindness and consideration throughout my lon-j career. I feel that it is about time that 1 should go. In this country the Legislature has now fixed tho retiring ago of judges who have been anpointed since my time at 72 years. " I see that in England the same limit is recommended. Unfortunately I have nassed that limit by * several years, but, taking the average of men, the age of 72 seems, I think, a reasonable limit. I shall always look back with the greatest pleasure to my time in Dunedin. There has been nothing during all that time to mar the good rein tions that have existed between tho nrofession and myself. In leaving you it will be an abiding satisfaction to mc to know that I havo been. fortunate enough to gnin the affection oT you all. I wish you now farewell."