THE LATE JUDGE MANSFORD.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 2, Issue 598, 19 October 1880, Page 2

THE LATE JUDGE MANSFORD.

(From the N,Z. .Times.)

Although Mr Mansford had been so long suffering _ from ill-health, mortality was not associated with it, as ihe complaint he suffered from was said to be more of a weakness of the organs of voice than anything else. Prom what we have since heard, however, it seems to have developed into bronchitis, and if so it was doubtless aggravated by the journey to Port Chalmers, and hence the fatal result recorded in our telegrams elsewhere, Mr Mansford's death was indeed unexpected, and will excite the deepest regret amongst a very large circle of friends, who have for many years known and admired him in his public and private life. He was a sound lawyer, a just judge, always inclining to equity, philanthropic in his tendencies, public sp'ritedj a genial host, a firm friend, and not extreme in his dislikes. As a magistrate he will long be remembered, and his death mourned by scores of unhappy ones who were in the habit of applying to him for advice and assistance, never in vain, and he was . the repository of more family differences probably than any other magistrate of the colony. Mr Mansford's antecedents are of the best. Not only was lie the oldest solicitor of the colony, but he was one of the very few barristers who took their degree in the old country. He came of a good West of' Englaud family. His father was an army surgeon, aud served with credit on the Peninsula and elsewhere, aud finally settled down to practice in the city of Bath—where the subject of this notice was born. He prospered in his profession—by the death of a wealthy patient, to,whom he had been unremitting in his attentions for years he became possessor of a large fortune. His son, the late judge, adopted the law as hi? profession, passed with high honor when quite a young man, and then commenced practice in Bath and Bristol, and acquired ft large and profitable connection, He was also well-known in Dublin in his professional capacity. At his father's death Mr Mansford succeeded to an equal share with his brothers, of the family estate, and afterwards, meeting with reverses, he emigrated with one of his brothers—>vho is now living at Otago-to New Zealand, They landed at Auckland, and eventually proceeded to Otago, where Mr Mansford took up his abode at Port Chalmers and for many years filled the position of Hesident .Magistrate there; then practised as a solicitor for a short time, and again occupied the Bench in his judicial capacity. Subsequently he was appointed assistaut Resident Magistrate ait Dunedin, in addition to his Port Chalmers duties, and discharged both to the entire satistaction of the public, Ho occupied the Dunedin Bench twice a week, and it is a notable fact that the Dunedin Bar marked those days as redletter oues, so promptly was the business despatched, so equitable the decision of his Worship, Mr Mansford's high ability was (unfortunately for him) recognised by the Grey Government, and what was then regarded as promotion, but which in reality was a deathblow, found him. In 1878, he was, on the retirement of Mr Crawford, appointed Resident Magistrate and District Judge for Wellington, and entered upon the duties of the position with his usual zeal and ability. At that time the business of the Courts, was exceptionally heavy, and through his conscientious efforts to discharge it his health gave way. He had suffered occasionally at Port Chalmers from an affection of the throat, and this was much aggravated by hard work at Wellington, and finally became chronic. A few months ago he went to New Plymouth for change of air, but derived no benefit therefrom, and when he returned to Wellington three weeks ago, it was apparent that he would have to seek further and more decided change, Hence his visit to Port Chalmers to seek the advice of his old medical attendant, Dr, Dryswho thoroughly understands his constitution, He must, however, have been much worse than even the doctors imagined, or he would not so soon have succumbed after his arrival, Mr Mansford was twice married—by his first wife, who also died at Port Chalmers, and was buried there, he had three sons, born in Eng'•md, and now living in Otago. In 18?6 lie married again, the issue being two sons,_ He was about CI years of age at Hio tjme of his deatlj,