THE VACANT JUDGESHIP.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 197, 19 August 1895, Page 4

THE VACANT JUDGESHIP.

MAY NOT BE FILLED

SIR PATRICK BUCKLEY'S

INTENTIONS.

~ (BY TELEGRAPH.—PARLIAMENTARY RE

PORTER,)

Wellington, this day. It turns oub that the quidnuncs of the lobbies have been all oub in their anticipations and predictions as to bhe Supreme Judgeship. I am informed on positive authority that Sir Patrick Buckley has nob been asked to take the appointment, and has nob pressed his claim, and, in short), that the question of filling the vacancy has not even been considered by tho Cabinet. There is not ab present the slighte&t likelihood of a new judge being appointed before tho cloee of tho Parliamentary session, and no one will be surprised though ministers should resolve to leave "the vacancy unfilled. Altogether, people here are beginning to ask why Wellington should have practically two Supreme Court judges, and it is pointed out that four judges are ample for the work, as no inconvenience has resulted from Judge Richmond's death, though ib took place at one of tho busiest; periods. Tho extreme age of Judge Prendorgasb is urged against his being asked to undertake the full duties of the Wellington judicial district ; but economists contend that if he is unfit for work he oughb to retire, and make room for a, more active man. The fact that he will very coon be entitled to his pension is cited as nn argument for his retirement Ib is considered, however, thab the Chief Justice might very well discharge all tho duties of tho Wellington judicial district if the Blenheim and Nelson Courts were taken by Mr Justice Denniston, and by thi3 re-arrangemenb of districts a considerable annual saving would be effected. Should the Chief Justice retire, rumour Hays thabSir P. Buckley would then aEserbhis claim to be elevated to the bench. Assuming that the Attorney-General does nob press his right, ib is recognised thab Judge Ward has a prior cluira over every other aspirant bo the Supreme Court.