Tributes to Judge

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33963, 2 October 1975, Page 14

Tributes to Judge

Tributes were paid to the late Mr Justice Macarthur at a special sitting of the Supreme Court in Christchurch yesterday afternoon.

The Chief Justice, Sir Richard Wild, presided, and with him on the bench were Mr Justice Roper and Mr Justice Casey. Lady Macarthur and all the Christchurch magistrates were among those present.

The Chief Justice said that the' Court had assembled to pay tribute to the life and work of Mr Justice Macarthur, whose death in such tragic circumstances on September 19 had robbed New Zealand of a fine judge, and Christchurch of a greatly respected citizen. After reviewing Mr Justice Macarthur's career, his Honour said that he was deeply conscious of Sir lan Macarthur, the citizen of Christchurch. “When he came here 16 years ago he set himself to do his appropriate part, so far as a Judge can, in the public life of this city,” his Honour said. “He served its citizens in many ways. He was president of the Outward Bound Trust, the Marriage Guidance Council, and the Royal Christchurch Musical Society. "He developed a strong feeling for the traditions, and dignity, of Christchurch: for its history, and institutions, as well as for its trees, lawns and buildings.

“Mr Justice Macarthur was every inch a Judge. His quality and bearing suited Christchurch, as Christchurch suited him. I know he came to love this city, and I would like to acknowledge with gratitude the high respect and admiration that the city showed him in its spontaneous delight on the award of a knighthood to

him last year, and in that memorable service in the Cathedral last week,” said hisHonour.

Other speakers were the president of the Canterbury District Law Society (Mr A. Hearn), the Solicitor General

(Mr R. C. Savage, Q.C.), and the president of the New Zealand Law Society (Mr L. J. Castle).