THE NEW JUDGES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22086, 16 April 1935, Page 8

THE NEW JUDGES

In the British realm the administration of justice is second only in importance to the monarchy in preserving the foundations of the Constitution, and the recruitment of the judiciary, even in this small and distant Dominion, has its serious Imperial implications. Appointments to the Supreme Court Bench are the responsibility of the Government and the acid test of democracy is that under this system the selection should be free from every influence that might undermine public confidence in the Court. Fortunately there has never yet been cause for doubting the bona fides of Cabinets in this task. Public opinion has supported their selections in the past, and it will do so in respect of the appointments just made of Mr. E. H. Northcroft, of Auckland, and Mr. A. T. Donnelly, of Christchurch. These distinguished barristers, who, it need hardly be said, possess the confidence of the Bar, are New Zealanders born, of broad-based experience. It is all to the good that men who become Judges should know not only the law but also the heart of their fellow men. Both Mr. Justice Northcroft and Mr. Justice Donnelly are men of this calibre. Their interests outside law have been wide and of the kind which broadens and matures the mind. Mr. Justice Northcroft served in the war, reaching the rank of lieutenant-colonel, assisted in the repatriation and rehabilitation of the soldiers of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, and subsequently gave his legal knowledge in the Territorial Force. In sport he has been, and doubtless will remain, a keen yachtsman. It would be demanding an unnecessary sacrifice if his judgeship should compel him to relinquish so fine a 'sport. Mr. Justice Donnelly, who also was a soldier, has for long been one of the most prominent figures in the control of New Zealand cricket, and has undertaken heavy responsibilities in the control of horse racing. The status of Judge will, of course, limit their personal activities, but the public is gratified in knowing that their past experience has given them the common touch which cannot fail to aid them in the responsibilities of the Bench. New Zealand welcomes the new Judges as worthy meii and wishes them well. The British instinct for what may be called law and order in its wider sense Js well satisfied by the appointments.