WIGS AND ROBES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19838, 7 January 1928, Page 13

WIGS AND ROBES.

GREAT JUDICIAL ASSET. LORD HEWART'S REFLECTIONS. [from our own correspondent.] LONDON. Not. 30. The value of wigs and robes was emphasised by Lord Hewarlj, the Lord Chief Justice, speaking at the annual dinner, at Liverpool, of the Liverpool Shipbrokers* Benevolent Society. A previous speaker, he said, had spoken as if he did not like the robes of the Judges. "J think really he must be jealous, for he ts a county magistrate,'' He wart remarked. "I do not see anv reason why county magistrates should not sit in robes. (Laughter.) There is more in robes tliap meets the eye. A couple of years ago a deputation of barristers and lawyers from Canada and the United States came over to England, and they were much impressed by many things, not the least of which was the decorum and order observed in our Courts of justice. 'I think that reticence and reserve is to some extent attributable to our wigs and robes. It is a curious little sidelight on human nature, for I believe it i 3 a fact that in many pltw where wigs and robes are not worn there is not the same civility and decorum upon which we in the Courts of justice rather prid« ourselves.

"If I were asked what are the two chief qualities required by a Judge—always assuming he has the capacity for them-~ (laughter)—l should say, without hesitation, patience and courage. (Cheers:) A few months ago I visited with a distinguished colleague of mine a pensioners' home Jit Winchester. Talking to one of the men, I asked him what lie did with himself all day. 'Well, sir,* he replied, 'sometimes I sits and thinks, and sometimes I just sits.' That describies a Judge's day in the Court perfectly." (Loud laughter.)