TOUCHING TRIBUTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3911, 26 February 1929, Page 16

TOUCHING TRIBUTES.

THE BENCH AND BAR. AUCKLAND, February 20. A touching tribute to the memory of the late Chief Justice (Sir Charles Skerrett) was paid at the Supreme Court this morning. On the Bench were Air Justice Blair and Air Justice Kennedy. There was a very representative gathering of the Bar, showing the respect in which the late judge was held. Air Justice Blair, who spoke under great stress of emotion, said: “ It were better far that the duty of paying due tribute to the memory of New Zealand’s greatest lawyer and judge should have fallen to a tongue more eloquent than mine, but I yield to no one in the claim that if respect and admiration, yea even love for the great man just departed, be any qualification to speak, then am I indeed qualified. I bore

for him a love passing that of a woman. We mourn the loss of a great leader, a man who was my greatest inspiration’ as he was an inspiration to all honoured by his friendship. It would be easy to multiply instance upon instance of what he accomplished, showing his sterling character and loving heart. To do so now seems futile to me, because it is not what we now say, but what he did, that counts. His whole life, was the very embodiment of inspiring devotion to work, not for personal or material aggrandisement, but because of a deep consciousness of his duty to those, whether man or State, who required his services. Nor did he ever swerve from what he believed to be right. In his last remaining days in New Zealand, racked though be was by the ravages of the disease that ultimately claimed him, he bore his pain with fortitude, steadily refusing to admit even to himself that his sadly maimed body, the legacy of his malady, was capable of preventing him from performing the duties of his high office. Aly brother judge and myself saw him within a few Hours of his departure from New Zealand, and his last words were of cheer and encouragement to us, and the abiding hope of his speedy return to office. We join with you m voicing New Zealand’s irreparable loss, and it only remains for us to perform the last loving office of a friend and place upon the grave of his memory a wreath of acknowledgment of his greatness and love for his fellow men.”

. ELLINGTON, February 21. Striking evidence of the high esteem in which the late Chief Justice (Sir Charles Skerrett) was held by the Supreme Court Bench and the legal profession throughout the country was given by the touching speeches made at a most impressive function in the Supreme Court to-day when Bench and Bar joined in paying tributes to his memory. On the Bench were Mr Justice Herdman, Sir Frederick Chapman. and Mr Justice Frazer. Among those present were Sir Francis Bell, K.C., Mr A. Fair, K.C. (the Solici-tor-general), Mr A. Gray, K.C. (president of the New Zealand Law Society). Sir John Findlay, K.C., Air M. Alyers. K.C., Mr C. H. Treadwell (vice-president of the New Zealand Law Society), Mr H. F. Johnston (president of the Welling ton Law Society), Mr C. G. White (vicepresident of the Wellington Law Society), Air E. Page, S.AI., Mr D. G. A. Cooper, S.AI., Air T. B. Al il, S.AI., Mr H- P- M ard (Under-secret y <>f jas* : ce), and many other prominent members of the legal profession. The Gisborne Law Society was represented by Mr J. R. Kirk, and the Nelson Law Society by Air I. P. Hayes.

Sir Francis Bell said that in the absence of the. Attorney-general, who desired to express his deep regret at being unable to be present as leader of the profession, they who had assembled as members of ths Bat desired permission to speak of one who so recently filled the chief place in the court, and whose death was so dcCpiy regretted by all. Sir Charles Skerrett was called to that high office by the unanimous assent of his fellows in the profession, and equally by the unanimous assent of the public which knew his work; and in the all-too-brief years of his tenure of that great office hp had verified the anticipations of those who best knew his fitness and his quali ties. The first important case that Sir Charles Skerrett conducted, still young and apparently inexperienced in the Court of Appeal, was recalled by Sir Francis, who said that when the court reserved its judgment Sir Charles was called before them and thanked by the then Chief Justice. At the conclusion of argument before the Judicial Committee expression was again made of the value of his argument. Those two examples, singular incidents, were examples of the-distinction—the special distinction —that he held in the professon. He had qualified himself in many manly ixercises, and he seemed to have been able to put aside the cares of office, the tre mendous weight of his business relations, and separate himself from tasks to enjoy the happy careless freedom that they knew were characteristic of him away from work and office. He was in private life as honoured as in the place he attained in his profession. Conscious of hi.: powers, he was self-reliant and insistent on any view he finally took on any matter. With the deference that was paid to him by lawyer and client he bore himself simply all his life without affectation, without arrogance, and with out ostentation. He never courted the popularity that came to him, but it could be fairly said that he was easily the most popular man in social life as he was prominent in the work of his life. " Sir, we, his friends, his admirers, are uncounted. We knew him best who worked side by side with him. We learned his value at work and at play, and we feel that the loss Ts to us heavier than to any others,” said .Sir Francis, who concluded by expressing deepest sympathy with Sir Charles Skerrett’s sister. She had been not *only a 'evoted sister, but a faithful nurse in the cruel tortures of the last months. Sympathy was idle, but it might be a solace to her to know that there would long remain with them the memory of her brother.

Air Gray said that he desired, as representing the New Zealand Law Society, of which the late Sir Charles Skerrett was president for several years before his elevation to the Bench, to express on behalf of the whole of the profession throughout New Zealand their entire concurrence with the observations made by Sir Francis Bell. The lamented death of Sir Charles had been remarkable for a. wonderful outburst of ex-

pressions of deep sorrow and regret, felt not only by the profession but by the public generally throughout New Zealand, and indeed ‘in other parts of the Empire to which his fame and reputation had extended. 'The expressions were, Air Gray thought, unique in the profession in New Zealand, and noteworthy because of their unanimity. The late Chief Justice’s personality was unique, continued Air Gray, and he thought it was right to say that there had not been any other quite like him. The profession mourned their loss—th.* loss of a great, distinguished lawver, an able judge, and a faithful,’' affectionate friend.

Air H. F. Johnston, on behalf of the Wellington Law Society, associated himse.. with what had already been said. Air Justice Herdman, in expressing the sympathy of the New Zealand Bench, said: “I know of few incidents that have happened during my career in the legal profession which have evoked such universal and genuine sorrow as the death of Sir Charles Skerrett. Regarded with affection by those who knew him intimately, respected by all sections of the community, he has faded out of our lives in circumstances that are tragic and heartbreaking. When he was appointed to the high office of Chief Justice I looked forward to many happy years of useful work in the service o‘f the public beside him, but that was not to be. Fate ordained otherwise, and has given a decision against which there is no appeal. The career of the late Chief Justice was, I imagine, one of the most remarkable in the history of the New Zealand Bar. With little’ to help him in his youth except a bright and powerful intellect, a courage that never faltered, and a personality of irresistible charm, he climbed the ladder of success with ease. I doubt whether New Zealand has ever possessed an advocate who shone with such distinction, no matter where he worked and no matter what he was called upon to do. Whether it was a trial before a jury or an investigation before a judge, or whether he was called upon to conduct some intricate argument in the Court of Appeal, Sir Charles Skerrett was always complete master of the situation, and proved himself time after time to be a counsel of outstanding eminence. It is difficult to assess the loss that the country, the judiciary, and the Bar have suffered. Thinking of him as I knew him, he always seemed to me to be the embodiment of integrity and the werv essence of courtesy and’kindness. Afore than that, no member of the Bench or of the Bar knew better than he did how essential it was for the wellbeing of a new country like New Zealand that the dignity of the judiciary should be preserved, that the administration of justice should be respected, and that the Bench and the Bar alike should see to it that the deeply-rooted confidence which the people have in what is perhaps the most valuable of all British institutions should become more firmly established as the years rolled on. Though the flesh may die the spirit and the example will live, and from what we derive some consolation. At a time like this our thoughts go out to his sister, who was devoted to him, and to his other relatives.” WANGANUI, February 20. An eloquent tribute was made’at the Wanganui Supreme Court by Air Justice Smith, who said that the Dominion had lost not only one of its foremost legal men, but an enthusiastic member of many social and sporting institutions. It was with the full knowledge of his qualifications that the members of the profession warmly approved of Sir Charles Skerrett’s appointment to the highest judicial position of the Dominion. Alessrs W. A. Izard (president of the Law Society) and Air J. H. Keesing (president of the Justices of the Peace Association) also added their tributes; and out of respect the court adjourned for an hour. CHRISTCHURCH, February 20, Tributes were paid by Air Justice Adams and representatives of the Law Society in the Christchurch Supreme Court. His Honor said that in the history of the judiciary for the past few years there had been events nothing short of tragic, recalling the deaths of Air Justice Salmond, Air Justice Sim, and Air Justice Alpers. Of Sir Charles Skerrett, he said: “ His most remarkable characteristic was his undisturbable serenity.” NEW PLYMOUTH, February 20. In the New Plymouth Alagistrate’s Court, Air G. Al. Spence (president of the Law Society) eulogised the work of the late Chief Justice, who, he said, began the practice of his profession in the local court as a relieving magistrate. Air G. Biller, of Alasterton, joined in the tribute, saying that the death of the Chief Justice was a national loss. OAMARU, February 20. At the opening of the sitting’ of the Alagistrate’s Court in Oamaru to-day, Air H. W. Bundle, S.AI., said: “ You will all have heard of the regrettable death of the Chief Justice, Sir Charles Skerrett, who was a brilliant lawyer and an honourable judge. It will be a matter of deep regret to the legal profession that he should have been spared for so short a time to carry out his high official duties. Unfortunately, he died when on a voyage to tlie Old Country. The court will be adjourned for a few minutes as a tribute of respect to the memory of the deceased.” INVERCARGILL, February 20. Before the commencement of the business at the Supreme Court this morning Mr John Tait, the president of the Southland Law Society, who was supported by a large attendance of local

barristers and solicitors, made mention of the death of the Chief Justice (Sir Charles Skerrett). In respectfully moving that the court adjourn for a time out of respect to the memory of Sir Charles Skerrett, Mr Tait said: “The members of the Southland Law Society desire to acknowledge their mourning for the Chief Justice. Sir Charles Skerrett was not very well known in this district person ally,-but his high attainments at the Bar and later his work on the Bench made his name well known throughout the Dominion. His life was an example of the great opportunities offered to young men in this country. Without any advantage of birth or wealth he achieved eminence, and we feel that in him New Zealand produced a great lawyer, whose elevation to the office of Chief Justice was an acknowledgment of his work. He was not long on the Bench, but during that time he gave ample evidence that he was worthy to jffn tin} “great company of New Zealand judges, both past and present. We feel that the Bench, the Bar, and the country have suffered a great loss, and to his relatives we would extend our sympathy. I would respectfully move that as a mark of respect to his memory the court adjourn.” His Honor (Mr . Justice MacGregor) said that by the lamented death of Sir Charles Skerrett New Zealand had lost one of her foremost men. He desired to associate himself personally and in all sincerity with the remarks made by Mr Tait. To him the loss was a heavy one, since he had known Sir Charles Skerrett both on the Bench and at the Bar. At the Bar hr had been a courteous and straightforward opponent, and on the Bench he had displayed a passion for justice according to the law. Sir Charles Skerrett had been a distinguished judge. The relatives of the late Chief Justice had his sincere sympathy. The court adjourhed for some 15 pinutes. LATE ATTORNEY-GENERAL’S EULOGY. TIMARU, February 20. . In the course of a statement with reference to the death of Sir Charles jSkerrett, Mr F. J. Rolleston, formerly Attorney-general, said it was only the bare truth to say that the Dominion had suffered an irreparable loss in the death of Sir Charles Skerrett. Others had borne eloquent testimony to the many outstanding qualities and to his unique career in which, by sheer industry and merit, he had risen from the lowly position of a clerk to the highest position in the land. “ Mine can only be the humble tribute of one who has known him for over 30 years,” said Mr Rollegton, “ first as a barrister in the courts, and latterly in the close and more intimate relationship that exists between the Attorney-general of the Dominion and Supreme Court judiciary. During my official life in Wellington I was brought much in contact with the late Chief Justice and it was during this period that I learned to appreciate more highly than ever the keenness of his intellect and the charm of his personality. I have never known any man whose company was more stimulating, or indeed more helpful, nor do I think that any man has ever displayed more fortitude and courage than he showed right through his illness. It is some consolation to know that he has gone to his long rest with his vigour unabated and his great intellectual powers undimmed. Those who had the privilege of knowing him will ever treasure the memory of a humane and lovable personality, and. we gay farewell in the hope that his example may be an inspiration to those who to-day are on the threshold of their professional career.”

SYMPATHY FROM AUSTRALIA. SYDNEY, February 20. The news of Sir. Charles Skerrett’s death at sea was received in judicial circles here with extreme regret. Mr Justice Ferguson, the Acting Chief Justice, to-day said he had the pleasure of meet- , ing Sir Charles on one occasion, and he had formed a very high opinion of him. He had read with sorrow of his illness, a double affliction which had apparently been borne with wonderful spirit. He was now deeply 7 grieved to learn of his death so soon after convalescence.

WELLINGTON, February 20., The Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward) to-day received the. following cablegram from Mr T. R. Bavin (Premier of New South Wales) : “ Deeply regret to learn of the death of your Chief Justice, for whose high qualities I had the highest respect, and whose loss will be deeply felt by the Dominion.” The Prime Minister has replied as follows: “ Sincerely thank you for your cablegram and also for your condolences in respect of the death of the Chief Justice. Sir Charles Skerrett was universally held in the highest esteem and affection, and his loss is deeply deplored throughout the Dominion.

SIR ROBERT STOUT S TRIBUTE.

On Tuesday a reporter called upon Sir Robert Stout and asked him if he would like to say a few words respecting the late Chief Justice. Sir Robert said: “ My acquaintance with Sir Charles Skerrett began when he first entered the profession. He obtained th. highest office that can be held by any member of the legal profession in the Dominion, and his appointment as Chief Justice was universally acknowledged to be a good appointment. As a lawyer he was most attentive to his work, and. he was a very able lawyer indeed. He was more than an able lawyer: he was a kindly, genet ous soul, and w c is popularly known as

” a good fellow.’ I believe that those who are now alive who knew him will ever keep his name in remembra ce. because of his personal kindliness and good fellowship. He often appeared before me, and while he and I were at the Bar there were many legal contests between us. I always recognised his ability, his honesty, and his industry. I feel very sad about his departure, and I feel very much for his sister, who was most devoted to him, and whose kindness, consideration, and help no doubt prolonged his life. But from the first of his illness his life was in jeopardy, and from what I could gather from medical men they realised the great risk there was in the way he had been attacked. I have known all the chief justices who held office for any length of time—Sir William Martin, Sir George Arney, and Sir James Prendergast. I practised before Sir George Arney and Sir James Prendergast. I never had any matter before Sir James Martin, but I remember hearing him make a speech at one of the meetings of the Synod of the Anglican Church. If ever there is a legal biography of the chief justices I feel sure that Sir Charles Skerrett will occupy no mean position in it, and I may add that great sympathy will go out to his sister for the loss she has suffered in the death of her noted and honoured brother. I am sure we all feel exceedingly sad that she should have gone with her brother on his voyage. atTd had to part with him under such sorrowful circumstances.” TRIBUTE BY MR T. K. SIDEY. In paying his tribute to the memory of Sir Charles Skerrett, the Attorneygeneral and Leader of the Legislative Council (Mr T. K. Sidey) said: “I join in the universal expressions of -egret with which the news of the death of the late Chief Justice has been received. I had thought it possible that it might have been to me a happy circumstance that the first occasion on which I would have been privileged to speak on behalf of the legal profession would have been one on which the Chief Justice was being ac corded a hearty wel omc back to his accustomed seat orf the Supreme Court Bench. On the contrary, if I were in Wellington on Thursday morning next 1 should indeed for the first time have had the honour of voicing the sentiments of the profession, but I should have had the melancholy duty of paying a sad tribute to the memory of the Chief Justice who has passed away. I had known him for many years, and although I was not personally familiar with his work in the court, there were occasions ■when he appeared before the Statutes Revision Committee of the House when one was impressed by his legal knowledge, the keenness of his intellect, and the clarity of his expression. It was the possession of qualities such as these, and the general recognition of the brilliancy of his work at the Bar that by common consent marked him out for the Chief Justiceship when that office became vacant. Personally he was a most lovable man, most hospitable in his home, and most considerate for the comfort and the feelings of others. He was a good sportsman, and in this connection I may mention that on one occasion he headed a very large and influential deputation that waited upon the late Mr Massey to urge the Government to take up the Daylight Saving Bill. My heart went out to him when it became known that he had to undergo severe operations at the hands of the surgeon. He faced these ordeals courageou and triumphed over them. There are few who would not under such circumstances have sought a life of ease. Sir Charles was bent on resuming work. That he should, in spite of his physical disabilities, have displayed such keenness in preferring work to leisure is an example of the devotion to duty and service that is worthy of emulation by both old and young. The death of the Chief Justice is a national loss. I join in expressing deepest sympathy to his relatives, and especially to Miss Skerrett, who, with singular devotion, had nursed her brother during his illness.”

DUNEDIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

At the meeting last week of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce the following resolution was unanimously passed—- “ That this meeting desires to place on record the great loss this Dominion has sustained through the death of Sir Charles Skerrett. Sir Charles, by his sound judgment, interest, and natural ability, attained a very high standard in -his profession, and was recognised and admitted as one of the most distinguished barristers in the Dominion. The meeting also desires to extend its sincere sympathy to his sister and relatives in their bereavement.” REQUIEM MASS. - WELLINGTON, February 20. Requiem Mass for- Sir Charles Skerrett was offered at the Basilica, Hill street, Father Higgins officiating. Among those present were the Prime Minister, the Minister of Justice, Mr E. W. Kane (representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives), and also representatives of the Defence Force, law societies, Government departments, and various organisations.

Sir Charles Skerrett was educated in Wellington. When a young man he received an appointment as a clerk in the Magistrate’s Court, Wellington, where he had the opportunity of furthering his interest in law and gaining practical experience. It was while so engaged that he came under the eye of Mr

Hugh Gully, of the firm of Buller and Gully, and it was very largely due to the influence of Mr Gully that he secured his first footing in the career that he was to traverse until he reached the highest legal honour that can be obtained. Mr Gully gave him articles, and then, owing to Mr Gully’s indifferent health, the young man had great opportunities with court work —opportunities which were made the most of. When, a little later, Mr Gully joined Sir Francis Bell, and the firm became Bell, Gully, and Izard, Mr Skerrett commenced business on his own account. He was admitted to the Bar in 1885. The firm of Brown, Skerrett, and Dean was the next ch..ng", involving the young lawyer in 1887. He retired from this partnership in 1893, and was joined by Mr A. Wylie in 1894. Sir Charles’s great ability as a legal practitioner had proclaimed itself so convincingly within a few years that,’in 1907, he was made a King’s Counsel when the first batch of K.C.’s was appointed in New Zealand, and up to the time of his appointment as Chief Justice he was senior partner in the firm of Skerrett, Tripp, and Blair. By the time he was made a K.C. he had made several trips Home, to take cases to the Privy Council, one of his successful cases being the Newtown licensing case. In after years his advice was greatly sought in Court of Appeal cases, a phase of the legal business in which he did exceedingly well.' He was appointed Chief Justice on the retirement of Sir Robert Stout early in 1926.

Sir'Charles was a keen sportsman, being deeply interested in racing, but he had, however, inclinations in many directions where sport was concerned. He was intensely fond-of fishing, ~_s a very fine marksman, took no keener delight than in a week’s deer-stalking, and had .made good as a polo player. He was captain of the Wellington Polo Club for a period before it -was dissolved in 1906. He represented this club at many big tournaments, aud was recognised as a first-class player. In addition, he became a prominent member of the United Hunt, and was deputy-master. One outstanding event, was the winning of the Hunt Steeples, riding his own horse Hollicore. Sir Charles Skerrett was never married. Although about 64 years of age, he was exceedingly active until about 18 months ago. It was soon after his return from Samoa in 1927, where he was the presiding member of the commission inquiring into native grievances, that his health commenced to fail, and his leg had to be amputated.. He recovered, and was about to resume his duties when a recurrence of the trouble necessitated the removal of his other leg. Towards the end of last year it was announced that Sir Charles had sufficiently recovered to resume his duties, and special alterations to the Bench in the Supreme Court at Wellington were made to provide the Chief Justice with every comfort. His medical advisers, however, considered that a sea voyage would be necessary to rehabilitate Sir Charles’s strength, and in January he left on a trip to England, accompanied by his sister.

CAPTAIN FERRIS’S CABLEGRAM. WELLINGTON, February 22.

The Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward) announces that he received a cablegram from Captain Ferris, of the steamer Port Denison, last evening, reporting the death of Sir Charles Skerrett. The cablegram was dated February 13, to be despatched by radio to the Chatham Islands, via radio s.s. Ruahine. Apparently the delay in the cablegram reaching here has been caused by the time taken by the Ruahine getting into wireless touch with the Chathams. Sir Joseph Ward says that he gives the information to the press in fairness to Captain Ferris, who evidently sent the cablegram shorly after the death of Sir Charles Skerrett. MESSAGE FROM MISS SKERRETT. WELLINGTON, February 22. The Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward) has received the following cablegram from Miss Skerrett: “I desire to tender for myself and relatives sincere thanks to you and to Mr H. E. Holland and the parliamentary Labour Party for messages of sympathy.”