OBITUARY.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9176, 6 August 1895, Page 5

OBITUARY.

MR JUSTICE RICHMOND.

At the Christcnufc- Magistrate's Court j yesterday, Mr Bishop, when the Court opened, referred in a few sympathetic and eulogistic remarks to the death of Mr Justice Richmond, and as a mark of respect to his memory adjourned all the disputed cases on the list, aim closed the Court. At Kaiapoi yesterday the Stipendiary Magistrate, on taking his seat, said he had.considered whether the Court should be adjourned as a mark of respect to the memory of the late Mr Justice Richmond. Everyone who knew the late Judge could not but express the deep loss all both Bench and bar feit on th- death uf so emiuent a Judge. With these remarks he had decided to go on with the business. [PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.] WELLINGTON, August 5. When the criminal sittings ot the Supreme Court opened this morning there was a large attendance of the local bar and the public. When the Chief Justice ascended the Beuch he remained standing, as did all present, while the Attorney-General made a brief refereuce to the death of Mr Justice Richmond. He said the colony had suffered a great national loss, and as a jurist, a gentleman, and a scholar the dead Judge had probably no equal iv any of the Australasian Colonies. Ou behalf of the Bar of New Zealand he asked his Honour tocouvey to Mr Justice Richmond's family their deepest regret for so great a loss. Mr 'J'ravers, speaking ou behalf of the bar of the Provincial District, referred to the briliiaut qualities of the deceased gentleman both as a Judge and a statesmau. His loss would be very greatly felt, especially iv Wellington, aud it was to ue hoped that the object lesson he gave would be carefully studied and followed. He asked that tho sympathy of the local Bar should be coin eyed to the sorrowing family. Tho Chief Jusiica also spoke, but was so overcome with emotion that it was very difficult to hear his remarks. He said there was no doubt his latu colleague was-endowed by nature with abilities of the most extraordinary character. He was preeminent as a lawyer aud judge, certainly in tho. Australasian colonies, aud probably as eminent as any lawyer or judge in the British dominions. His Honour referred to the soundness and uprightness of his judgments, and his efforts on behalf of literature, art and science, aud tho emineuce he had attained as a statesman. A noteworthy trait iv his character was '.he fortitude with which he had borne physical sufferings; he had never allowed these to interfere with his duty. The Court adjourned till eleven o'clock as a mark of respect. Judge Richmond's funeral takes place to-morrow at 2 p.m. The Supreme Court will'not sit in the afternoon. The House will probably adjouru also. WANGANUI, August 5. The S.M. Court adjourned out of respect to the memory of the late Judge Richmoud this morning. Gtuuine expressions of regret were made both by the Magistrate (Mr Brabant) and Mr Fitzherbert, representing the local legal fraternity. DUNEDIN, August 5. At the Supreme Court the Hon. Downie Stewart, as spokesman for the bar, expressed regret at Mr Justice Richmonddeath and sympathy for the widow and family. He referred to the great ability and justice with which Mr Justica Richmond dealt with all matters. Mr Justice Williams agreed with the remarks made. The Magistrate'sCourtadjourned fora few minutes as a mark ot respect. The Supreme Court adjourns to-morrow during the funeral.