SALARIES OF N.Z. JUDGES

Grey River Argus, 28 April 1932, Page 3

SALARIES OF N.Z. JUDGES

CUTS OPPOSED BY SIR F. BELL WELLINGTON, April 27. In a letter to the ‘ ‘ Dominion '’ newspaper, Sir Francis Bell, formerly Attorney General, discussed the question of a reduction in salaries of Judges of the Supreme Court, contending it is beyond question in law, that nothing hut an Act of Parliament of the United Kingdom can empower the Government or Parliament of New Zea land to diminish the statutory salary of any Judge of the Supreme Court during tenure by that judge <U office. Sir F. Bell adds:—“But to me it seems equally, beyond question in principle that no such power should be exercisable. It is necessary, to-day in New Zeaand, as it was in the yea* 1700 in England, to establish complete confidence of the public that the Supreme bench is impartial, free from any influence, and certain to give judgment in accordance with right. Such confidence can only be maintained and ensured by establishing the dignity and independence of the Bench. Judges are guardians for their successors of the principle established by the Act of Settlement. If the Judges, moved by any personal sentiments, or influenced by public clamour, demanding equality of sacrifice, voluntarily make any surrender oi their salaries, they make it difficult, if not impossible for their successors in office in similar circumstances to refrain from following the precedent so initiated. I trust that those who now hold the pass which separates the judical office from all other avocations, those who have accepted the place which makes them keepers of the pass, may not be induced in .th: crisis to surrender it.”