DISCUSSED IN PARLIAMENT

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 112, 7 November 1912, Page 8

DISCUSSED IN PARLIAMENT

.This afternoon, in the House Representatives, on the Justice Department vote, Mr. R. M'Callura referred to the appointment of K..C.'s. He said there was some considerable dissatisfaction among the profession in tha.b X.C.'a wero not on the same footing aa in England. Sir Joseph Ward asked tho Minister what method was pursued in connection with the .appointment of King's Counsel. Were tuey appointed for political considerations 1 , Mr. Fishor : You appointed fife ; you ought to know. Sir Joseph Ward: "We never appointed «ne for political considerations.." He ' suggested that tho appointments should not be confined to the cities. Only men at the- top of the profession, irrespective of locality or other consideration except merit, should be selected. Mr. Isitb asserted that the legal profession in Wellington' was already crying "Spoils to the victors." The Minister replied that the political element had not intruded at all. The method of selection in New Zealand was the same as in England. ' Gentlemen who desired the honour of K.C. had to apply, and the applications were sent to the Chief Justice, whose approval had to. precede appointments. The gentlemen in question were undoubtedly leading members of tho profession. Mr. Isittread a telegram from a prominent Christchurch lawyer : " See about K.C.'b. Canterbury ignored." (Proceeding.) '