CHIEF JUSTICE

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24653, 24 August 1945, Page 4

CHIEF JUSTICE

TERM EXTENDED FOR ONE YEAR

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, August 23. The Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser) announced to-night that the term of the Chief Justice (the Rt. Hon. Sir Michael Myers) is to be extended for one year. Legislation is necessary to give effect to this decision, and a bill will be immediately introduced in Parliament. This follows a precedent that occurred in Canada, where, as in New Zealand, there is a retiring age for judges, but where, upon the attainment of that age by the chief justice, the occupant of, that position was, by legislation, confirmed in his office for an additional fixed term.

“Events arising from the termination of the war, and consequent questions relating to overseas relationships, have been the primary reason for the decision to cdnflrrri Sir Michael Myers in office for a further 12 months,” Mr Fraser said. "It is well known that at San Francisco Sir Michael Myers was eminent among the jurists there in the deliberations which instituted the international Court of Justice, as well as making a valuable contribution to the work of the New Zealand delegation in other spheres. Upon the cessation of military activity throughout the world, there is a prospect of conferences, in one or other of which it is probable that there may be some continuity of the work in which Sir Michael Myers was engaged at San Francisco, In that case it may be convenient again to call upon his services. Indeed, experience at San Francisco gave every indication that his services were appreciated internationally,, and there might well be a desire for his services which would bring honour not only to him personally but to New Zealand.

“In addition to such matters there arc, of course, many matters in hand in New Zealand the completion of which will be all the more conveniently disposed of by one already acquainted with them, and in the complex and difficult circumstances that doubtless will attend the transition from war to peace after so exhausting a struggle as the nation has gone through, the Government feels it is likely to be advantageous to have as Chief Justice a man of the exceptional experience of the present Chief Justice,” concluded Mr Fraser.