A NEW JUDGE FOR THE SUPREME COURT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7658, 8 June 1886, Page 5

A NEW JUDGE FOR THE SUPREME COURT.

r 9 [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Monday. It is evident that there will be an addition to the Judicial Bench very soon. Sir James Prendergast, it is said, is in delicate health. It is indeed said his state of health causes some anxiety to his friends. Mr. Justice Johnston has occupied the Judicial Bench for upwards of 27 years/ and therefore is entitled to his fall retiring allowance if he chose to claim it. Although still in good average health the approach of age is becoming manifest. Mr. Justice Richmond is said to suffer from a malady which, without interfering with his capacity for the performance of his judicial office, causes him great in* convenience. Already there has been an outcry in Auckland, caused by the temporary illness of the Chief Justice in Wellington. It might happen at any time that two or even three of the Judges should be ill at the same time. Then, again, it is said that the scale salaries for the Department of Justice is lower than in any other colony, and that the salary for the Chief Justice of New Zealand is little more than half that of the Chief Justice of Victoria or New South Wales ; therefore the salaries of the Judges will have to be reoonsidered. The Post to-night has a leader upon the subject, which seems animated by the breath of inspiration. It is said that no solicitor or barrister having a good practicein New Zealand would accept the office of a Judge with the present emolument of that office. Assuming all this to be true, a good deal of interest is beginning to be felt in the choice of candidates for the ermine against the time comes. I have heard several names mentioned. Their owners are in every way suitable, but it appears to me that their ambition tends to a different goal. There are members of the House who think that the amount which could at the meat be given in New Zealand would attract a better man from England than can be found in .'New Zealand for the money.