CHIEF JUSTICE APPOINTED

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27190, 6 November 1953, Page 12

CHIEF JUSTICE APPOINTED

Mr H. Barrowclough, Of Auckland PRIME MINISTER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, November 5.

The appointment of Mr Harold Eric Barrowclough, C. 8., D;S.O. and bar, M.C., as Chief Justice of New Zealand was announced today by the Prime Minister (Mr Holland).

Mr Barrowclough succeeds Sir Humphrey O’Leary, K.C.M.G., who died at Auckland last month.

Mr Barrowclough is one of the bestknown members of the legal profession in Auckland, whqre he has been in practice for many years as a member of the firm of Messrs Russell, McVeagh and Company. \ Born at Masterton 59 years ago, Mr Barrowclough was educated at the Palmerston North Boys’ High School and Otago University. He practised law at Dunedin as a member of the firm of Messrs Ramsay, Barrowclough, and Haggitt, and lectured in law at Otago University, before going to Auckland.

He has a most distinguished military record, which began when he enlisted as a private in the Ist N.Z.E.F. in World War I. He rose to-the position of battalion commander. In World War II he gave outstanding service as a brigade commander with the 2nd N.Z.E.F. in the Middle East, where he was awarded a Bar to his DS.O. for gallant service at Sidi Rezegh, and later as commander of the 3rd New Zealand Division in the, Pacific. He had seen some bitter fighting in Greece and in Egypt with the 2nd N.Z.E.F. • before he was recalled tc, take command of the Pacific section of the force. He'had commanded the 6th Brigade from its formation in May, 1940, and taken it through the campaign in Greece and later through bitter fighting at Sidi Rezegh. When the Japanese drive in the Pacific threatened to reach striking distance of New Zealand? the need for war-experienced senior officers became urgent and he was recalled. Of his services in the Pacific, the official war history dealing with the campaign says: “General Barrowclough’s task, as frustrating as any New Zealand commander has been called on to undertake, was made more exacting and involved by perplexing changes and lack of resources which would have reduced to impotence a leader less resilient and resolute. Outwardly unemotional and completely free from displays of temperament and showmanship, his logical mind and inflexible character enabled him to overcome great difficulties. His brigades were often' separated by leagues of ocean? and his whole command dispersed over thousands of miles, a condition which contributed little to the smooth functioning of the force. “On more than one occasion he had under his authority more American

servicemen than New Zealanders, not only of the Army but of the Navy and Air Force.”