JUDGE WARD AND THE BAR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 8062, 1 October 1887, Page 6

JUDGE WARD AND THE BAR.

AN APPRECIATIVE FAREWELL.

The members of the Bar in Auokland having resolved to express to Mr. Justice* Ward the respect and esteem in which they hold him, and their sense of the manner in which he has discharged the important duties of a Judge in the Supreme Court, in the absence of Mr. Justice Gillies, occasion was taken to do so yesterday afternoon. At the midday adjournment the representatives of the Bar waited on Mr. Justice Ward, in his chambers. There were present: —Mr. Button (Whitaker and Russell), Mr. E. Hejketh (Heaketh and Richmond), Mr. E. A. Mackechnie, Dr. Laishley, Messrs. Bsmina, Keeaing, Kigby, Alexander, Cave, Clayton, and Mr. Howarth (of Wellington). Mr. Button being; the senior member present said : —May it please your Honor, I have been requested on behalf of the members of the legal profession practising in Auckland to address a few valedictory words to your Honor on the* eve of your retirement from the judicial Bench of this district. During the lime you have filled the office of Judge of the Supreme Court here the business of the Qjurt, in both its oivil and criminal jurisdictions, has been unusually large, and cases of the greatest importance have come before you. It given us vary great pleasure to say that you have discharged the responsible and onerous duties devolving upon you in a manner which reflects equal credit upon your knowledge of the law, your clear judgment, and your patient and painstaking investigation of the cases coming before you. We desire especially to mention and thank you for your exceedingly courteous demeanour to the members of the bar, your ready accessibility at all times, and the kind consideration you have always shown in studying the convenience of the profession and suitors in carrying on business in Court and in Chambers. In conclusion, we desire to assure your Honor that it affords us great satisfaction to anticipate the time when you shall permanently occupy a seat on the Bench of the Supreme Court, which you have proved yourself so well qualified to adorn.

Mr. Justice Ward, in reply, said:— Mr. Button, and gentlemen ot the bar, I have to return you my sincere thanks for the kind and flattering address just delivered. On my arrival here, you greeted me with frank cordiality, but an address of welcome is after all chiefly a matter of courtesy; an address at parting, one of appreciation. And although I cannot persuade myself that all the kind expressions of my old friend, Mr. Button, are deserved, for no one can be more conscious than I of many failures and shortcomings,—still it is pleasant to know that at least those with whom I have worked during the last twolve months believe that I have done my best. I arrivod here a atrangef to nearly all of you. I leave » circle of pleasant acquaintances, to some of whom lam indebted for many acts of kindness and courtesy. Moreover, Judgaa aro said to be the scholars of the Bar ; and, after an experience extending from Auckland to Invercargill, I can truly nay that I have never mat abler teachers. Of the future whereof the address speak#, I can say nothing. One step at -a time is now enough for me ; and in these doubtful days I cannot, even yet, say certainly whither the next step may lead me. However, this is certain, that in no oity in New Zealand have we found a pleasanter sojourn, a more courteous welcome, or a warmer greeting at parting ; and, wherever my lot may be oast, I shall always retain the most kindly remembrance of my friend# of the Auckland Bar.' And now, with all good wishes, I have only once more to render you my sincere thanks, and to wish you all heartily farewell.