THE JUDICIARY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2203, 5 October 1907, Page 1

THE JUDICIARY.

GOME IMPORTANT CHANGES PROPOSED.

(Special to Times.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 4. Some important changes in_ our judiciary system are proposed iii the J udiciary 45i11, ' introduced by the Attorney-General to-day. The principal provisions’ are those providing for the abolition of District Courts and transfer of the functions of these Courts to the Supreme Court, and certain changes in respect to the constitution of the Court of Appeal, Dower is given for the assignment of judicial districts to particular judges", and it is laid down that every Judge of tho Supremo Court, other than the Chief Justice, shall exercise his judicial powers and functions in judicial districts or districts which have been assigned to him, and not elsewhere save with the permission of the Chief Justico. The judicial district in which the city of Wellington is situated shall at all times-be assigned to three judges, including tho Chief Justice. Except in accordance with express provision no Judge of the Supreme Court other than those to whom tho Wellington district is assigned shall hear or determine any appeal to tho Court of Appeal or take part in the exercise by the Court of Appeal of any powers or functions of that Court other than the powers of making rules and determining procedure thereof. ' No appeal to the Court- of Appeal is to he heard by less than three Judges. For this purpose a rota of Judges is to he prepared. Tho Governor may, on the recommendation of the three Judges to whom the Wellington district is assigned or of a majority of all the Judges, summon to .the Court of Appeal all or any of the Judges to hear and determine any appeal or other matter. Subject to this provision, no Judge will take part in the hearing of any appeal from any judgment or decision given by himself.