THE CHIEF JUSTICE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CI, Issue 11889, 12 May 1899, Page 5

THE CHIEF JUSTICE.

[From Our Correspondent.] WELLINGTON, May li. Several leading members of the Bar are of opinion that the salary paid to the Ctesf Justice of, the Colony is not commensurate with the Dignity, importance, and responsibility of tlie office. They suggest that, the salary of the Chief Justice should be increased from £1750 to £2500, whilst the puisne judges should.receive £2OOO instead of £ISOO, as at present. Speculation is rife as to the probable successor of Sir James Prendergast, blit the field of choice is said to be limited to three or four leading members of the Bar. Of course, Sir Robert Stout is mentioned, but his friends say that the position would not coriipensate him for the loss of his private practice. It is not, I believe, probable that the new Chief Justice will be selected from the present occupants of the judicial Bench, because there is an unwritten law in England, of very ancient authority, which bars sitting judges from, being raised to the higher position, because, if such a practice were in vogue, it , might cause . rivalry, in aspiring to the position, or jealousy after the appointment had been made. Speculation on the matter at present is only guess-work.