Mr Wild Sworn In As Chief Justice

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30971, 29 January 1966, Page 14

Mr Wild Sworn In As Chief Justice

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Jan. 28. The Solicitor-General (Mr H. R. C. Wild) was today sworn in as Chief Justice of New Zealand. In his speech during the ceremony the Attorney-Gen-eral (Mr Hanan) said that Mr Wild was assuming office at a time when certain aspects of New Zealand law and legal procedures, along with those of other common-law jurisdictions, were under review. During the last 10 years Mr Wild; in his professional and official duties, had had a number of opportunities to meet leading judges and jurists from England, Canada, Australia, the United States, and other countries. “As a result, you bring with you to the Bench a breadth of knowledge and experience of contemporary legal problems which I venture to suggest is unparalleled in New Zealand judicial history,” said Mr Hanan. “The Government and the

Bar rest confident in the knowledge that you will not fail to do justice, without fear or favour, to all men according to law.” Predecessor Praised The Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) today paid tribute to the retiring Chief Justice, Sir Harold Barrowclough. The sincere thanks of the Government and the country were due to Sir Harold Barrowclough, he said. “In these times we have come to appreciate more and more the need to uphold the rule of law. It is thus of the greatest importance that the bead of the Judiciary should in his person vindicate the rule of law and should be looked up to and respected by all. "These qualities have been possessed in the fullest measure by Sir Harold Barrowclough, as they are also by his successor,” said the Prime Minister.

“I should like also to pay a tribute to the exceptional vigour and ability displayed by the new Chief Justice, Mr Wild, as Solicitor-General. “The country is fortunate indeed to have him as the new head of the Judiciary, and the qualities he will bring to his new responsibilities are such that I am confident he will add lustre to the great traditions of that office.”

Successor To Mr Wild

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, Jan. 28. The Attorney-General (Mr Hanan) said today he expected to announce the appointment of a new Solicitor-Gen-eral late next week.