IN HIGH ESTEEM

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 26, 31 January 1930, Page 11

IN HIGH ESTEEM

LATE MR. T. F. MARTIN

TRIBUTES FROM BENCH & BAR

That the lato Mr. T. F. Martin was held in high esteem by members of the legal profession in Wellington was indicated by the largo attendance at a gathering in the Supremo Court to-day, at which tributes to his memory were paid. On the bench were the Chief Justice (Sir Michael Myers) and Mr. Justice Blair. Mr. C. G. White, president of the Wellington District Law Society, said that it was with extreme regret that in such a comparatively short spaco of timo the members of the Wellington Bar had again assembled to show their respect for the memory of one of their number, one of the- oldest and most respected members of the profession in this city. The late Mr. T. ]?. Martin was called to.the English Bar in 1874, coming to New Zealand five years later. Since 1879, he had been In active practice in New Zealand, and 45 years of that time he had practised in this city. For 20 years he held the office of City Solicitor, and part of the. time ho also held the office of Town Clerk of the city, continued Mr. White. He was thus closely identified with the life of the dity during a very important period of its development, and it must have been of inestimable value to the city authorities to have the counsel and advice of one so learned in the law, and at the same timo so sound in judgment, and'so just in all his dealings, lie iv'as a zealous guardian of the city's interests, and yet ho did not over-ride the rights of its citizens. It was well known that lie specialised in local government law, and his opinions in this branch of law were sought by his brother practitioners, and by municipal officers throughout the length and breadth of New Zealand. His reputation in this connection was so well recognised that in 1895 he was ontrusted with the preparation of a Bill, dealing with local government law, and the result of his labours fully justified the confidence reposed in him. Later on,, said Mr. White, the late Mr. Martin made valuable contributions to the legal literature of the Dominion, his books on conveyancing and land laws, and local government law being widely read and quoted. | • Mr. Martin held office on the coun- j cil of tho Wellington District Law Society, and was ejected president in 1001. In the practice of. his profession, he was always courteous and kindly, and his strict- integrity and high ideals, earned the respect and esteem of all with whom he was brought into contact. "Ho has left behind him no resentments and no enmity, but a memory of an unassuming manner, and a modest personality, a memory of a man who has given long and valuable service in the profession of the law," said Mr. White, in conclusion. . "He was still in active practice after 55 years of strenuouß work, when he was called to his long rest, and : now,, on . behalf of his fellow practitioners, I extend to his widow and the members, of his family our sincere sympathy." Those who had known the late Mr. Martin regarded him as a man of the highest standing in the legal profession, said the Chief Justice. Ho was one of the old school of conveyancers and real property lawyers, of whom, unfortunately, so few now remained. Ho was always" held in the highest respect by the clients'whom ho served, and particularly' by the local bodies. Not.only was he esteemed by them, but also .by all his brothers in tho legal profession, who bad the most complete confidence' in him, and who knew that his'word was-always his bond. His. Honour.concluded by tendering the reBpectful sympathy of his colleagues and himself to Mrs. Martin and the members of her family.