KING'S COUNSEL.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 12825, 8 June 1907, Page 8

KING'S COUNSEL.

Wo still think that it was nttsrly nnneccssnry to create King's Counsel in New Zealand. The step was not asked for by the profession, so far as we aro aware, and certainly it was not do-

manded by the public. It is doubtful whether it will bo of any benefit to either. In England when a barrister tikes "silk" ho is not only entitled, but expected, to charge higher fees, which can hardly bo regarded as benefiting his clients, but on tho other hand, be very often gets fewer of them, so that his aggregate income is diminished rather than increased. In New Zealand we do not know that there will be any alteration in fees, but by the regulations laid down, tho new King's Counsel will find themselves debarred from certain classes of business which were open to them before. That, of course, is entirely their own affair, and does not affect tho public. But while w© think the introduction of silk gowns into the Now Zealand Bar was unnecessary, we feel bound to say that in our judgment the selection made leaves nothing to bo desired. Tho choice is very wisely left in the hands of the Chief Justice, who has certainly exercised his power with admirable discretion. Wo desire also to tender our hearty congratulations to tho wearers of tho new dignity on tho honour which has been conferred upon them.