THE LATE JUDGE JOHNSTON.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2481, 5 June 1888, Page 2

THE LATE JUDGE JOHNSTON.

(BY TELEGRAPH, —PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Wellington, Monday. At the Supreme Court this morning reference was made to the death of Judge Johnston. Judges Prendergast, Williams, Ward, Richmond, and Gillies, and the whole of the Wellington Board were present ; also the Attorney-General, Sir 11. Stout, Hon. Mr. Wilson, M.L.0., Sir M. O'Rorke, Messrs Stewart and Samuels, M.H.R's, and Cooper, Rees and Morrison, barristers. The Chief Justice, addressing the Attorney-General said they had been informed of the lamentable death of Judge Johnston, and the Bench considered it a duty to make a proper acknowledgement of the loss sustained in consequence. The Bench and Bar well knew how the able Judge had performed his duties. Ho was possessed of great natural ability, and his loss will bo deeply regretted both by the Bench,; Bar, and the public. Sir F. Whitaker, on behalf of the New Zealand Bar, asked leave to pay a tribute of respect to the late judge. Thirty years ago, he said, in his capacity as ■AttorneyGeneral, he had occasion to welcome Judge Johnston to the shores of New Zealand, and subsequently to congratulate him on his appointment as judge. During that thirty years he had administered justice in its widest sense, and he was quite sure that not only as a judge, but as a private citizen and neighbour, he was highly esteemed by all,and had led a noble example to the profession of New Zealand. This was the first occasion in New Zealand that a judge had died a judge. Previously judges have resigned before death, but when Judgo Johnson left for his visit to England, it was not thought likely he would sit on the bench again, but it had been hoped that he would have returned and resided amongst us in the ease which he had so justly earned. Sir ]'\ Whitakor spoke feelingly, and concluded by remarking he had nothing more to say further than that he deeply regretted the death of so distinguished a Judge, and trusted that he would now receive the reward of the just. The Chief Justice then intimated that tho Court would be adjourned till to-mnrrow.