Lord Darling

Southland Times, Issue 22904, 1 June 1936, Page 6

Lord Darling

In the roll of distinguished English judges few have won a higher place than Lord .Darling whose death at the great age of 87 is announced in a cable message this morning. He was only 47 when he was made a judge and he had to live down the keen resentment of his fellow-lawyers who felt that, though he was a gifted advocate, his temperament was not suited to the solemn and exacting duties of the Bench. His appointment also met with criticism because he had not graduated along conventional lines. But long before he retired in 1923 Lord Darling showed how wrong had been his critics. His acute understanding, his deep insight into human character and motives and his earnest handling of serious cases completely justified his appointment. When the occasion warranted lightness he showed that he possessed a sparkling wit. He was not one of those jurists who spend a lifetime trying to make jokes and who succeed perhaps twice. He was able to crystallize legal points into witty phrases which obviated long arguments, but he never abused this talent

and never filled the dubious role of official humorist of the Bench. He avoided confusing his mind by an embarrassing knowledge of decided cases and by the rapidity of play and versatility of his exceptional mind he made practice before him a stimulating experience. The charming verses and stories which he has written will be a lasting reminder of his sprightly wit and cheerful philosophy.