THE VACANT JUDGESHIP.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11956, 1 February 1901, Page 3 (Supplement)

THE VACANT JUDGESHIP.

THE CHIEF JUSTICE AND POLITICS. (From Our Own Correspondent. ) WELLINGTON, January 15. It is now stated by an authority in the Government service, who, in view of the press censorship regulations, shall be nameless, that Mi' Justice Martin's resignation, as acting-judge was accepted on December 31, and that he was thereupon reappointed as judge from January 1, It is, therefore, a question whether or not Mr Martin is not- still a judge of the Supreme Court of Now Zealand. If it is decided that, he is still a judge of the court, he will in all probability be written to asking that he should formally resign. Various names are mentioned in connection with the vacant judgeship. In the legal profession it is very generally recognised that Mr Fred Chapman, of Dunedin, and Mr H. I). Bell, of Wellington, are the most eligible members of the bar as present practising in New Zealand. It is considered vory doubtful, however, that the Government will so far sink the question of party politics as to appoint either (if these. Other men mentioned in connection with the vacancy are Mr Theo, Cooper (Auckland), Dr Findlay and Dr Fitchett (Wellington), Mr Stringer (Christchurcb), and Mr W. A. Sim (Dunedin). Dr Fitchett' has only recently been appointed Solicitorgeneral, and Dr Eindlay would in all probability not be tempted with the salary, as it is well known that he is earning more than the salary even of the Chief Justice, whose junior partner lie was only a few years ago. Of course, the matter is not likely to be settled one way or the other before the Hon. Mr Seddon returns. While on this subject I may mention that there is an agitation already on foot here to bring Sir Robert Stout's recent utterances and writings in connection with federation under the notice of Parliament next session. Indeed, it is freely stated by some of Mr Seddon's supporters that'this will be' done. It is contended that Sir Robert has practically been engaging in matters political, and that a Supreme Court judge should not so interfere. It is a question, however, whether Mr Seddon will not nip the intentions of his friends in the bud, for they might result iu Sir Robert's return to the political arena. Sir Robert is so inadequately paid as Chief Justice that it would probably not take very much to induce him to return to private practice and politics, and though this would no doubt greatly please the true Liberals in the Premier's party and many of those on the other, side of the House, it would not at all suit Ms Sfidisn'f took