Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 4 February 1926, Page 2

Sin Robert Stout, who has just put aside his emblems of offire as ChiefJustice of New Zealand, has served his adopted country well. A man of outstanding ability he has appeared in

different arenas where there was scope for his mental activities. In the political world lie was for a period a prominent figure, attaining the Premiership. Later he was placed on the Judicial Bench where Hie was fully equal to the host traditions of that sphere. Over a long term of years he rendered illustrious service and maintained the standard and dignity of the New Zealand Bench at its highest. Tn speaking of liis services the other day Mr Justice' Peed spoke of Sir Robert's long services to the State, in many capacities, his long and unique occupancy of the high office of Chief Justice, and the industry. integrity and efficiency with which lie discharged his many important duties that fell to him by virtue of his high office. Despite age and heavy judicial work, his wide interest in social and humanitarian questions was an outstanding feature of his semi-public life. His work in the latter respect is far from finished and all will wish him years of health and accustomed vigor to carry on and complete the plans he has made to further fulfil the useful destiny which lie has made so much for the public good.