DINNER AT THE NORTHERN CLUB

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 51, 1 March 1901, Page 4

DINNER AT THE NORTHERN CLUB

At the Northern Club last evening the members of the legal profession welcomed the Chief Justice of New Zealand (Sir Robert Stout) and bade farewell to Mr Justice Cooper, who has just been raised to the Bench, at a complimentary dinner. Mr Hugh Campbell, President of the Auckland Law Institute, presided, and the vicechairs were tilled by Messrs G. E» Button and T. Cotter. There was a large attendance of the legal profession, among those present being Messrs H. W. Brabant and T. Hutchison-, S.M.s, the principal officers of the Crown, Hon. J. A. Tole (Crown Prosecutor), llegisrrar of the Supreme Court (Mr H. M. Brewer), Registrar,of Deeds (Mr Bamford), Official Assignee (Mr John Lawson), Solicitor-General (Dr. Fitchett), and Mr Louis Cohen, a member of the Univesity Senate and of the iega.l profession. After the usual loyal toasts had been honoured the chairman proposed "The Chief Justice of the colony of New Zealand," to which Sir Eobert Stout j responded. Mr Button then gave the toast of "Mr Justice. Cooper," and after this had been honoured the chairman presented an address to Mr Cooper from the Auckland Law Institute as follows: —

Auckland, February. 1001. To His Honor Thoophilu's ('yoper, Esquire,—Wo, the undersigned members! of the Auckland Law institute, bog to tender you our hearty congratulations upon your appointment as a. Judge of the Supreme Court of New Zea- ; laud. We feel assured that your comprehensive grasp of the principles of the law, find your ripe experience, eminently qualify you for the high position to which you have been raised, and that your judicial career will be worthy of the distinction won by you at the Bar. Wo desire to express our hearty appreciation of the, interest which you have taken in the transactions of the Institute, and of the unvarying courtesy and consideration which you have exhibited at all times towards its members.. While we regret that your elevation to the exalted and responsible position of a' judge will deprive us of the assistance and counsel which as President of the Institute you were ever ready to accord, we cannot but rejoice that the people of New Zealand have been so fortunate as to obtain the services of a gentleman who will be an ornament to the Judicial Bench of the colony. We earnestly trust that you may be long spared to exercise the functions of the •high office conferred upon you.—We nre, dear sir, yours very truly. (Here follow the names).

Mr Cooper responded, and acknowledged the address. Mr Tole proposed the health of "The Visitors," to which Dr. Fitohett responded. Sir Robert Stout then proposed "The Auckland Bar," to which Measrß Hugh Campbell aiid Button responded. "God Save the King1" closed the proceedings.