MR HUGHES, K.C.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXIX, Issue 9653, 9 July 1919, Page 5

MR HUGHES, K.C.

(Received July 9, 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, July 8

Mr W. M. Hughes was the centre of a unique ceremony at Gray's Inn and the Law Courts, when, for the first time on record, a man was passed through the various grades and, admitted to the Bar within one hour. At Gray's Inn, Mr Hughes donned the garb of a student for two minutes, then" a barrister's robe for five minutes, and finally sporting silk. The Lord Chancellor (Lord Birkenhead), with the Benchers, received .Mr Hughes in the Pension Room. Tho Chancellor said that according to special orders from the Bench he called Mr Hughes to the.Bar. .■ Lord Birkenhoad added it was the King's desire to make Mr Hughes a King's Counsel, but there were difficulties, as, though Mr.Hughes was an honorary Bencher of Gray's Inn, he had not been admitted to the English Bar. However, by goodwill and ingenuity, a way had been found. Mr Hughes r.vas " now a barrister, and, speaking for the other Benchers., he (Lord Birkenhead) expressed gratitude for the signal services Mr Hughes had rendered to the Allies' cause, and pride with which he welcomed him as a member of the Bar. Mr Hughes then proceeded to the Law Courts, where, Lord Reading, Chief Justice, welcomed him, and where the oath was administered to him

LONDON, July 8. Mr Hughes and Sir J. Cook ha^e left London for Australia. There was a great farewelling crowd, including Mr Bonax Law, Generals Birdwood and Monash, ' and other' prominent people.