JUDGE RETIRING

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24275, 16 May 1942, Page 6

JUDGE RETIRING

SIR HUBERT OSTLER RESULT OF FAILING HEALTH VACANCY NOT BEING FILLED (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Friday The Minister of Justice, the Hon. H. G. 11. Mason, announced to-day that Mr. Justice Ostler had given formal notice of his intention to retire from the Bench of the Supreme Court as from October next. Mr. Mason said it was generally known that Mr. Justice Ostler's health had been failing for some time, but with characteristic courage he had long resisted the inclination to give up judicial work. He would in the meantime be stationed in Wellington and would assist in the work of the local Supreme Court.

The Minister said the Chief Justice, Sir Michael Myers, had advised him that the Judges had offered, because of war conditions, to carry on the judicial work after Mr. Justice Ostler's retirement without any new appointment being made. The Government had accepted this offer and the vacancy would not be filled unless circumstances changed. Mr. Justice Ostler was a member of the Auckland law firm of Jackson, Russell, Tunks and Ostler when he was appointed to the Supreme Court Bench in December, 1924, filling the vacancy caused by the death of Sir John Salmond. He' took up his judicial duties the following February. He was born in 1876 in Canterbury and educated at Victoria University College. He graduated LL.B. in 1905. He was associate to the then Chief Justice, Sir Robert Stout, from 1903 to 1907, and for three years subsequently was editor of the New Zealand Law Reports, while practising as a barrister in Wellington. In 1910 he became Crown solicitor and Crown prosecutor in Wellington held that position until 1915, when he joined the Auckland firm with which he practised until his appointment to the judiciary. One of Sir Hubert Ostler's great interests was in the big game of South Africa, and he has made several hunting and photographic visits there. During one of his visits he took up 10,000 acres of land in Tanganyika. He is a former member of the Senate of the University of New Zealand and a former examiner in law to the University. He was appointed chairman of the Prisons Board m 1938 and was knighted in the 1939 New Year honours. Sir Hubert was also a well-known Rugby footballer and in addition 'to being first captain of the Victoria University College team is a former Manuwhenua, Horowhenua and Wellington representative. SUGAR RATIONING TEA IN SHOPS AND OFFICES PRIVILEGE ACCORDED WORKERS (P.A.) WELLINGTON. Friday It has now been decided to extend to employees in shops and offices and | to other workers who have been in the j habit of partaking morning and j afternoon teas the same privilege as was i accorded factory workers when sugar rationing was first introduced. This decision was announced by the Minister of Industries and Commerce, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan. SHOT AT PHEASANT YOUTH WITH PEA-RIFLE (0.C.) ROTORUA, Friday "When one pheasant roseP he took no notice; a second one was also left alone, but the third proved too much temptation," stated counsel when the conservator of fish and game, Mr. A. Kean, proceeded against a youth. George Ingram B. Dansey, who was charged with shooting at imported game with a pea-rifle near the Utuhina stream on April 12 last. A ranger had noticed boys, accompanied by a dog. They had been out for hares but defendant attempted to shoot a pheasant. Counsel pointed out that a youth armed with a pea-rifle would have to be an expert to bring down a pheasant on the wing. An offence had been committed, however, stated the magistrate, who imposed a fine of £1 and 10s costs. COMFORTS FOR SOLDIERS NEW YORK'S 5000 DOLLARS (P A.) WELLINGTON, Friday As a result of the Anzac Day dinner in New York, at which the New Zealand Minister in Washington, the Hon. W. Nash, was present, the New Zealand patriotic fund is to benefit by 5000 dollars. The money, according to a decision of the board's standing committee, is to be used to purchase writing material and paper, to be forwarded to New Zealand for distribution by the board. The board has decided to purchase a mobile talking picture unit to service outlying troops, and also to purchase 50 battery operated radio sets for these troops. The library service report shows to date that 152,135 books and 163.513 periodicals have been issued to the navy, army and air force. BETTER PHYSIQUE (0.C.) WELLINGTON. Friday The work of physical welfare officers was referred to by the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon. W. E. Parry, who said that the well-planned exercises for the hoys of the Air Training Corps were notably improving their health and strength. The course included correction of foot defects and careful muscle-building. The cadets had been encouraged to practise suitable exercises at home, and the reward for obedience to expert advice had been soon_ obtained in a surprising improvement in physique. INJURIES TO MOTORIST (P.A.) DANNEVIRKE, Friday A man aged 65, Mr. Charles August Berjahn, of Mnkotuku, suffered a fractured skull and a broken log as a result of being carried along by his car, which was apparently cranked in gear. He had been to the railway station to see a relative off on the train. Later he was found in an adjoining paddook with the starting handle in his hand. The accident was not witnessed by anyone. Mr. Berjahn is a farmer and wellknown axeman and is chairman of the Makotuku branch of the National Party,