The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) MONDAY, JUNE 25th, 1923.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 June 1923, Page 2

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) MONDAY, JUNE 25th, 1923.

AN AMEN DINO RILL. The Judicature Amendment Bill, which was read a first- time last week in tile Legislative Council, aims at restricting the power of appointment of temporary judges. Section 11 of the 11*08 Act gave the Governor-General power to appoint a judge temporarily during the illness or absence cf a judge. Such temporary judges were to hold office "during his Excellency's pleasure.” The amending Bill proposes t > delete the words “during his Excellency's pleasure,” and add the following provisions: - “The power conferred to appoint a judge or judges lor any Temporary purpose shall, save in the case of an* appointment made on account of the illness or absence of a judge lie exercised only on a certificate signed by the Chief Justice, and tint less than three other permanent judges to the. effect- that in their opinion it is necessary for tho due conduct of the business of the- Court, that- one or more additional judges should he temporarily appointed. Every judge appointed on account of the illness «r absence of a judge shall Hold office for such period not exceeding twelve months, as may he limited in his commission.” The Bill also proposes that any two members of t lie same division shall have power to act as the Court of Api-estl for tile purpose of delivering any judgment of the Court, or r-i hearing applications for leave to appeal to the I’rivv Council. Another proposal is: "Whore any enactment now in force, or that may hereafter be passed, confers jurisdiction on the Supreme Court or a judge thereof, in regard to any matter without expressly conferring jurisdiction to award or otherwise deal with the costs of the proceedings in the Court connected with such matter jurisdiction to award or otherwise deal with the costs of the proceedings in the Court connected with sudi matter, jurisdiction to award and deal with such costs and to make and enforce orders relating thereto, shall he deemed to lie also conferred on tho Court, or judge. Such costs shall be in the discretion of the Cotut or judge, and may. if the Court cr judge thinks fit, bo ordered to he charged upon or paid out of any fund cr estate before the Court.”