Shining Light

NZ Truth, Issue 1180, 12 July 1928, Page 6

Shining Light

ONE of the shiny shingles that decorates legal Row of Christchurch tells of the active practice of one, M. J. Burns, quite a bright light-in a glittering constellation m the Herefordr courthouse firmament. "Tim," as he Is known to his colleagues, is one of the younger brigade and is an old boy of the Cathedral City's aristocratic school, Christ's College. .'...'■. He commenced his legal career m the office of George Weston, a well-known solicitor, later joining the staff of Charlie Thomas, the Christchurch expert' on murder trials. Burns understudied Thomas to good effect and a few years ago started on his own., Tim immediately came into the public eye and has had some notable' successes m the courts. Possessed of a winning personality and sincerity, he impresses : the jury not by* any rhetorical flourishes,- but rather by the conversational method of address which he adopts. . In the sensational. Boakes trial he partnered Lawyer Thomas. Tim is a good sport and is' a devotee of the royal and ancient game. .. Another of his hobbies is debating, m which he shines, being secretary'of an old-established club which has turned out some of the greatest Bpeakers New Zealand has produced. Being a Scotsman, he naturally enjoys the works of .Scotland's leading poet, his namesake, Bobbie Burns, whose memory is kept green 'by the Caledonian Society, of which he is a member. ' -.- ■ •' : ■ ' ' ■ ■ ■