LATE CHIEF JUSTICE

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 136, 5 March 1929, Page 10

LATE CHIEF JUSTICE

TRIBUTES AT DUNEDIN Dominion Special Service. Dunedin, March 4. -Eloquent tributes were paid to the memory of the late Sir Charles Skerrett in the Supreme Court this morning before a large gathering of members of the Otago Law gpciety, whose president (Mr. H. L. Cook) addressed the Court. His Honour Mr. Justice’ MacGregor presided, and among, those present were Messrs. J. R. Bartholomew and H. W. Bundle, Stipendiary Magistrates. After Mr. Cook had spoken on behalf of the Otago Law Society. Mr. Justice MacGregor said: “Although some weeks have elapsed since the tragic death of 'bur late Chief Justice, this is the earliest opportunity of making public reference to that sad event in the Supreme Court at Dunedin. The premature death of Sir Chaales Skerrett is indeed a permanent loss this Dominion. H:s place on the Bench and off it will be hard to fill. He was a great advocate and made fair in due time to become a great judge. But it was not to be. Providence in its infinite wisdom has decreed otherwise.- and we are now left to carry on as best we may without his wise' counsel and genial presence. “A learned lawyer, a warm-hearted friend and a generous opponent, he carved out for himself a . brilliant career, which has now been cut off at its very crowning by the hand of ironie fate: but he has left behind him to this brethren at the Bar and on the Bench of New Zealand a high example of integrity and of courage ; and of industry to his persona] friends, and they are many. There remains but the undying memory of ‘Charles Skerrett.’ as he was in his prime. He was a lovable character. Of him. indeed, it may with. truth be said: ‘To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.’