MR. J. D. HUTCHISON NEW JUDGE OF SUPREME COURT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22698, 24 July 1948, Page 4

MR. J. D. HUTCHISON NEW JUDGE OF SUPREME COURT

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, July 24. The appointment of Mr. James Douglas Hutchison, Christchurch, as a judge of the Supreme Court to fill the vacancy caused through the recent retirement of Sir David Smith from that office, was announced yesterday by the Minister of Justice, Mr. 11. G. IL Mason. It is understood that the new judge will preside at the Wanganui Supreme Cot rt sessions which will begin on Monday, August 2. Mr. Justice Hutchison, who is a son of the late Sir James Hutchison, for many years editor of the Otago Dany Times, was born in Dunedin in 1894 and was educated at George Street School. Otago Boys’ High School, Otago University and Victoria University Colleges. He has had the advantage of long and varied legal experience and, since 1926, has practised as a partner in the firm of J.J. Dougall. Son and Hutchison barristers and solicitors, of Christchurch. He is a past president of the Canterbury District Law Society and has served on the disciplinary committee of the New Zealand Law Society. The new judge has taken a keen interest in sport particularly Rugby football, boxing and lawn tennis, having gained his university blue in the two former spheres He served in the first N.Z.E.F., leaving New Zealand with the Main Body and serving in Egypt, on Gallipoli and on the Western Front through various ranks from gunner to lieutenant. In the Second World War he served as deputy assistant Adjutant-General, Southern Military District, from 1940 to 1943. He is at present deputy Judge-Advocate-General, Southern Military District.