SIR W. B. EDWARDS.

Waikato Times, Volume 96, Issue 15867, 13 December 1923, Page 6

SIR W. B. EDWARDS.

N.Z. JUDGE AT SYDNEY

"TRAVELLING TOO FAST."

Years ago he was known by the law fraternity of New Zealand as "the Snarling Wolf." Yesterday he arrived by the Ormonde as meek as a lamb (says the Sydney Guardian). Sir Worley Bassett Edwards is a senior puisne judge of New Zealand of many years' standing. It was not the terrible criminals, nor the loquacious lawyers that brought ahout his reformation. According to his own version it was brought about by such plebian folk as waiters. He was averse to tipping, till he tripped. Landing in Europe Sir Worley discovered that there was a general levy of ten per cent on all drinks and other necessities and unneccssarics of life that one gets on the Continent. He knew financially where he was. In Britain he didn't. He had his hair cut, his beard trimmed. His valise was carried from one place to another, and he has never discovered yet whether he gave the people who performed such duties sufficient to meet the ordinary menial trade demand. But he does know that he gave more than ten per cent there, got far less civility, far worse service, and much more misunderstanding. Wished for the Tariff. The same applied aboard ship at Sydney yesterday. He was wishing for that European 10 per cent tariff on lips, but, apparently, did not got it. Fifty years ago Sir Worley, then 23 years of age, launched out as a lawyer, after having been a bush farmer. For 2 5 years he filled the position of judge. A Londoner born—he ventured to New Zealand in 1855 as a live-year-old —he naturally found many changes on his return to his native town two years ago. "London to-day," he said, "for an old man like me, is one incessant dodging of motor-cars and trying to keep clear of the income-tax collector. In fact, in my opinion, the world is travelling far too fast." Not. many years ago the law fraternity in New Zealand lived in terror of Sir Bassett, who was regarded as one of the most caustic judges the New Zealand bench has ever known.