SIR CHARLES SKERRETT

Hokitika Guardian, 21 February 1929, Page 5

SIR CHARLES SKERRETT

SIR ROBERT STOUT’S EULOGY

By Teleg.aph—Per Press Association.)

DUNEDIN, February 19. “I am very sorry to hear of the death of Sir Charles Skerrctt,” said Sir Robert Stout, who was his predecessor in the Chief Justiceship. “Apparently the walls of his arteries were weak after lins fijrst amputation and his second leg had to be amputated. Perhaps this led to the catastrophe. I am exceedingly sorry to hear of his death, and my feelings go out to his sister, who has been his kind and devoted nurse for some time. 1 'have known ,r Charles since no was a lad. The first time I saw him although he was not introduced to me then, was when lie was a pupil under Air John Gammed, one of the ablest teachers we have over luid in New Zealand. Air tJaninicil later became an inspector of schools and lie was well known among educationists for his learning and ability. He told he that ho had a very high opinion of Mr Skerrett’s character and ability, and he believed that tame would come to him. and it came “Sir Charles’s father was an able man, and although lie did not occupy a high position I believe he came from a good family in County Mayo, and his «m had many of the qualities associated with the Irish, race—humour, cleverness, and eloquence. His father was only a Court crier in Wellington, hut he studied and was able to pass ins law examination and be admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court. Considering Air Skerrctt senior’s age and his past history (he was a sergeant in the army in India) he showed groat ability in gaining that distinction. r J he late Chief Justice was an able man and an able lawyer, and I feel sure that everyone admired his character. He was trustworthy and fair in all his dealings. No one could have acted bettor than he did as a member of the legal profession. He was also a man given to study and reading, and the Bench of New Zealand had lost a most able Judge, one whom I am sure lawyers and others who eamc in contact with him admired and loved. T am much distressed at his passing from us. I thought that, having gone through two severe operations it might have happened that with rest and ease lie would have recovered his strength and have been able again to perform i,is duties. 1 think his life ought to lie an example to our young men, showing what hard study and work and high character in New Zealand will do for her youths.”