ADDRESS TO MR. CRAWFORD, R.M.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5401, 19 July 1878, Page 3

ADDRESS TO MR. CRAWFORD, R.M.

About twenty jnembers of the Wellington Bar met in the Resident Magistrate's Court on July 6th, to bid farewell to Mr. Crawford, R.M., on his retirement from the Bench. Mr. Brandon, as senior member of the profession, said that he had been requested, on behalf of the members of the Bar, to express their appreciation of the courtesy and urbanity that Mr. Crawford had at all times shown during his position as Resident Magistrate. He would also say that though his decisions were sometimes adverse to their clients, all the members of the Bar were certain in their own minds that -the decisions so arrived at were given to the best of his ability, and that heliad been actuated by the strictest impartiality. Mr. Brandon then concluded by hoping that Mr. Crawford might’ live to enjoy many more years.

Mr. Crawford— Gentlemen, I must say that I consider it extremely flattering to receive so satisfactory an address from the numerous members of which the Wellington Bar is now composed. I remember- the Bar in what I may call the pre-historic times, when it consisted of a very few gentlemen, of- whom I see here Mr, Brandon, senr., Mr. Hart* and Mr. Cheesman. I have seen it get into the' mediaeval times of Mr. Gordon Allan, Mr. Travers, and others ; and I must say that one thing which pleases me more than another is-to see the talent of the rising generation, as exemplified by Mr. Brandon, jun., Mr. Fitz Gerald, jun., and Mr. Bell. It is with regret that X see one of their number (Mr. Bell) in the prisoner’s box (laughter); but the Bench will not be severe upon him on this occasion. Gentlemen, I am not given to make , long speeches, and I will conclude by saying that from the depth of my heart I thank you for the very flattering words which have been addressed to me by Mr. Brandon on your behalf. That address will not only be valued by myself, but by my wife and family. I have three strong sons born in New Zealand, and l am sure they will fully appreciate the honor you have just paid me. (Applause.) Mr. E. T. GILLON, on behalf of the reporters, next presented Mr. Crawford with a collection of books in memory of the occasion.

Mr. Crawford said that such a gift was quite unexpected. He considered that the business of the. Press was more to find fault than to praise. Mr, Baker, Clerk of the Court, next presented Mr. Crawford with a photographic group of the officers of the Court, and stated that during the twelve and a-half years he had worked under Mr. Crawford there had not a single cross word passed between them.

Mr. -Grawfokd returned the Court officials his warmest thanks for the present. Mrs. J. C Crawford, who had been sitting by Mr. Crawford’s side, then came forward and presented-Mr. Baker and Inspector Atcheson each with a handsome silver cup. Mrs, Crawford said she hoped that they would both long be spared to drink from them. The recipients having returned thanks in suitable terms, the proceedings terminated.