WHEN WIG AND GOWN LEND DIGNITY

NZ Truth, Issue 1188, 6 September 1928, Page 6

WHEN WIG AND GOWN LEND DIGNITY

SOME barristers when garbed m wig and gown convey the impression that they are just setting out for a fancy dress ball— and feeling mightily unoomfortable m the sweeping folds of black silk. Not so Barrister E. H. Northcroft, of Auckland, who, 'when arrayed m the vestments of hia profession, embellishes and adorns his natural dignity and air of distinction. Erlma Harvey Northcroft is really a West Coaster* having firat seen the light of day at Hokitika, but his home town has not known h\m as a resident for a good many years. He took to the law as a duck takes to water and m 1907 commenced practice m Hamilton, where he remained until the end of 1922, when he packed his grip and left for Auckland. ' The Queen City soon knew him as an able and brilliant member of his profession. Coolly analytical, forceful and a master of logic, with a subtle touch of satire occasionally, Northcroft /soon established himself and to-day there is noj member of the bar who enjoys a higher reputation: For three term 3he was president of the Hamilton Law Society. A member of the legal firm of Earl, Kent, Massey and Northcroft, he is a master of the intricacies of fine legal points and is at his best when fighting involved civil actions. Clear and concise m his delivery, E.H.N, is a pattern on which many of his confreres could fashion their code with advantage to themselves and the profession in' general. MiiniimilniKiiltiMiititii v „ iiiiihiiiiiiiiiiihiiiiiiiiiiii I ' I