NATIVE LAND COURT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 20 February 1941, Page 4

NATIVE LAND COURT

APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF JUDGE MR SHEPHERD’S PROMOTION [United Press Association) Wellington, This Day. The appointment of Mr G. P. Shepherd as Chief Judge of the Native Land Court was announced yesterday by the Native Minister, Mr Langstone. First appointed to the Court as a judge in October, 1938, Mr Shepherd has been Deputy Chief Judge since the retirement in August of Chief Judge McCormick. Mr Shepherd joined the Public Service in June 1906 and was appointed to the staff of the Justice Department. He was 16 years with this department, serving in Reefton, Greymouth, Ahaura, New Plymouth, Wellington, and Cromwell. He was clerk of the court at Cromwell when he was transferred to the Native Department as record clerk and clerk of the Native Land Purchase Board in 1919. Three years later Mr Shepherd became chief clerk of the Native Department, and in 1938 the scope of his duties was extended by the addition of those of research officer. These positions he occupied till his appointment as a’ judge of the Native Land Court. As judge he exercised jurisdiction in the Wellington and South Island Native land districts.