The Hastings Standard PUBLISHED DAILY. MONDAY, JUNE 1, 1896. SUPREME COURT.

Hastings Standard, Issue 30, 1 June 1896, Page 2

The Hastings Standard PUBLISHED DAILY.

MONDAY, JUNE 1, 1896. SUPREME COURT.

For the cause that lacks assistance. For the wrongs that need resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

It is to be hoped that the Government will not long delay appointing a Judge in succession to the late Sir Patrick Buckley. Since August of last year this part of the colony has been without its quota of Judges, with the result that the Chief Justice, Sir Jauies Prendergast, is being greatly overworked in his efforts to overtake the arrears of work. The late Judge Richmond passed away in August, and Sir Patrick Buckley did not take up the duties until some time in December, and all that he did was to preside at the last sittings in Napier. The businesc of the Supreme Court is increasing each year, and yet for very, nearly ten months we have been without the services of a full number of Judges. The Civil cases which should be taken in Wellington this month after the criminal business is disposed of, will, in all probability, have to be postponed for a month or two. This means loss to the suitors, anxiety and uncertainty which cannot be tolerated. Of course we are aware that the selection of a competent man to fill so important a position as a Judge of the Supreme Court is no simple matter and requires a good deal of consideration, but it was well known for several weeJis before his death that it was impossible for Sir Patrick Buckley had he lived to have continued a Judge. The Government has had ample time to consider the matter, and probably have already settled upon the person io filj

the vacancy; if so, we trust that as little time as possible will be lost in making public the name of the new Judge, and setting him to work. The public interests demand that expedition shall be used in this matter, and we fancy the Government is fully alive to the public requirements.