THE NEW JUDGE.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 253, 29 January 1889, Page 2

THE NEW JUDGE.

For the past nine months there has been such a heated discussion over the appointment of a successor to the seat on the Supreme Court Bench rendered vacant by the death of Judge Johnston, that we are not at all sorry the matter has been set at rest, by the selection of Mr Denniston. The whole affair is one of the most discreditable that has scandalised the administration of tjje Atkinson Government. The holding out of a Judgeship for nine months as a bait for political support, and the placing of an Officer temporarily in so important a position, has been a procedure of die jrtatesi portibli danger to

the public interest. But the shameful treatment to which Mr Ward has been subjected has happily not been previously recorded in* the history of the colony in regard to any of its public servants. There has been such a howl of indignation at the injustice which has thus been inflicted that it would serve no purpose, and would only result in further unpleasantness to Mr Ward, to prolong that part of the subject. We cannot help thinking that the political intriguers who worked the job are now deeply ashamed of the part they took in the matter, for they certainly have good reason to be. Though it is to be regretted that, for reasons which are not honorable, Mr Ward's indisputable claim to the position has been overlooked, since the affair must turn out as it has done, the appointment of Mr Denniston will meet with general favor. As an advocate he has at times shown an irascability of temperament which would disqualify him for the position of judge if it were thought he could not control himself. But he appears to have outgrown this unpleasant disposition : he is admittedly a lawyer of great ability, and his former misfortunate disposition has not resulted iri his making any enemies. His private character is unimpeachable, and he possesses many of those qualities which should help to sustain the high status which is held by the Supreme Court of New Zealand. Time alone can prove how far the appointment may be justifiable, and we believe Mr Denniston will fulfil the best wishes of his friends. He is in no way responsible for the indignation which has been aroused by the exclusion of Mr Ward, and we may be sure only accepted the appointment on being assured that he was not displacing another whose stronger claims ought to have secured for him the appointment. The Government may yet have to account for their extraordinary conduct in the matter, but until then it is pleasing to know the trouble has so far terminated.