THE LATE JAMES MACASSEY

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2232, 13 May 1880, Page 2

THE LATE JAMES MACASSEY

(Dunedin Star.) The hate James Macasscy was born at Carrickfcrgus, in the north of Ireland, on September 24, 1841. lie was the third son of the Rev. John Macasscy, Episcopalian of that parish. He was educated at the Bluccoat School, London. His father died while he was a boy, and at twelve years of age he emigrated Avith tAvo of his uncles named Livingstone to Adelaide, Avhcrc lie arrived in the early part of 1855. At Adelaide he began the study of his profession. In 1859 he proceeded to Melbourne, and three years after he appeared in Dunedin. It {is Avorthy of mention that Mr Macasscy Avas the first and only articled clerk Avho Avas alloAvcd to plead in criminal cases in the Resident Magistrates’ Courts at Dunedin and Port Chalmers. I Lis appearances on the criminal side Averc not numerous ; but ho

will bo remembered for las excellent defence in a murder case from Tnapeka Mouth, many years ago, bis eloquence resulting in a verdict of manslaughter. Mr Macassey, like some members of the bar whom we could name, would never accept what is termed “ blood money for the defence of a person on trial for his life. After this trial lie was the recipient of a service of plate _ from a number of persons who admired the manner in which he conducted the defence. The volume of reports which bears his name, and the records of the Courts during the past twelve years furnish the best testimony of Mr Macassey’s claim to be regarded as one of the leaders of the bar of this colony.