The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. In the cause of Truth and Justice we strive. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1871.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 902, 19 December 1871, Page 2

The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. In the cause of Truth and Justice we strive. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1871.

We learn, with regret, that we are shortly to lose his Honor Mr Justice Ward from among us, this heing his last circuit in Westland and the Southwest G-oldfields of Nelsou. The contemplated changes referred to in these columns a few months back, are to be carried into effect so far as regards the new field for the exercise of Judge Ward's duties. His future circuit will now include Southland and certain portions of the Province of Otago. During his comparatively short jurisdiction in this part of the colony there has been a marked decrease in the bankruptcy proceedings, which had formerly swelled the business at each successive sitting. By judicious exercise of the authority vested in him, under the act, a much needed check has been applied to the numerous insolvents, who, with insufficient grounds, sought to rid themselves of liabilities through the ordinarily comfortable process of whitewashing. In each case he has rigidly demanded that the applicant for protection should exhibit such a statement of his affairs as would enable the creditors and the court to judge of the insolvent's misfortune or negligence. Thus, while those coming under the former category were shielded by the provisions of the law, the latter became quickly aware of the hopelessness of attempts to defeat the rights of creditors, until finally the annals of bankruptcy in conection with these districts have become purged of all fraudulent, applicants. We notice form the Grey and Hokitika papers, that his contemplated departure has called forth valedictory addresses, expressing the high estimation in which His Honor is held by the public of those districts.