LATE MR JUSTICE ALPERS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 22 November 1927, Page 7

LATE MR JUSTICE ALPERS

A DISTINGUISHED CAREER PERSONAL FRIEND’S TRIBUTE ■ (By Tclearraph—Special to “The Mail”) CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. “My first association with Mr Justice A 1 pars was for a period of nine years when he taught at the Boys’ High School,” said Mr M. J. Greason, “and during that time there was probably no other teacher of English literature of his ability in New Zealand, and although he arrived a young boy in'thc Dominion, without knowing one word of English, in his early twenties lie held the chair ot English literature at Canterbury L"l----lege.” Subsequently, added Mr Gresson, Me Alpers and the speaker were- called to the bar together, and probably for a period of ten years they were more constant opponents of each other than were, any other counsel. The. outstanding feature of Mr Justice. Alper’s advocacy, was his eloquence, and at his best) he must have compared favourably with any of New Zealand’s noted jury conquerors. llis sound common sense, his knowledge of the world and Ills humanity were large factors in his unquestionable success in advocacy. “As a Judge, unfortunately _ Ins career has been too short to enable it to he, adequately weighed, but this at least, c.ui he said: llis main judicial feature was kindness of heart, sympathy with the oppressed and a passion to do justice, irrespective of the litigant’s position,”' said Mr Gresson. ‘‘Those who knew him best feel sure that liis premature death has cut short a career of judicial brilliance.”

Mr Alpers possessed elocutionary attainments of a very higlt order, and was well known in theatrical circles as an excellent amateur actor. He was long a valued member of the Christchurch Savage Club, where his ready wit arid excellence as a raconteur always provided him .with an enchanted audience. He had a most distinguished literary career. He entered Canterbury College on a scholarship, and, in graduating, ho won a John Tinline scholarship for English literature. When he obtained lus M.A. degree lie secured first-class honours in Latin and English literature. He then became assistant to Professor Macmillan Brown, and, on the latter going to Europe, held the Chair as his locum tenens. He was a leader-writer for the Christchurch “Press” for tea years, and wrote for that journal a brilliant column called “Searchlights”; and also contributed articles to a number of ether New Zealand periodicals. When war broke out Mr Alpers took up patriotic work with the greatest enthusiasm, and devoted much time to addressing recruiting meetings and other gatherings in different parts of the Canterbury province on behalf of war funds. He- was the prime mover in the Soldiers’ Club project, and was chairman of the committee which erect ed the fine premises that were placed at the disposal of returned soldiers in Christchurch. In recognition of his services he was made a life member of the R.S.A. He always took a keen interest in public affairs, and was president of the Christchurch Citizens and Ratepayers’ Association.

In February, 1925, Mr Alpers was appointed to the Supreme Court Bench to fill the vacancy caused hv the retirement of Mr Justice Honking, and was being stationed at Wellington. About eighteen months ago his health began to fail, but he fulfilled his judicial duties till a few months ago. In 1911 Mr Alpers married a daughter of the Jate Mr Henry Rose, of Dunedin, who is left with two sons and a daughter. Mr Alpers recently finished ,writing liis memoirs, “Cheerful Yesterdays,” which are to he published shortly.