SIR ROBERT STOUT.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 1 December 1925, Page 5

SIR ROBERT STOUT.

PERFECT HEALTH AT EIGHTY. (By Telegrah.—Special to Star.) WELLINGTON, Nov. 30. The maintenance of first-class- health and good eyesight at the age of 81, is one of the remarkable qualities ot Sir Robert Stout. He was asked hv your correspondent if he could indicate the secret of liis constant vigor. Sir Robert did not mention it, but much of it he attributed to his robust Shetland ancestry. As for his personal habits, he is a devotee of the light lunch, though generously giving those who practice in his court time in which to enjoy a lunch adjournment long enough for the satisfaction of the average man’s appetite. Sir Robert remarked that he always brought with him in the morning a few sandwiches, and these, with an apple and a glass of water, made a sufficient lunch. I never touch intoxicants, but in 1876, when run down, my doctor ordered me to take wine. I tried it for a fortnight and gave it up, and I have never tasted alcohol since. I never smoke, for that is bad for the eyesight.” That Sir Robert’s eyesight is good was shown by the fact that he went from an interval in the court proceedings to read 'without the aid of spectacles a long judgment from typewritten sheets.

The retiring Chief Justice has not made any plans for the future' He remarked that he did not think he would travel much. “I am a New Zealander. In April I will have been t>2 years here. My wife was born here, and in New Zealand we will stay.” When it was suggested that possibly Sir Robert would continue to take an active interest in some of the public questions with which he had been long associated, such as university education, he agreed that it was very likely. _______