3

H.—2B

I understand that it is not at present contemplated to place two Judges of the Court at Wellington. But should it on any ground be hereafter found desirable that an additional Judge should reside there, I desire to have the option of taking that position. As regards the allowance to cover the charges of removal, I should wish to leave it in the hands of the Government to do what is fair in the peculiar circumstances of my case. My request for leave of absence has been necessitated by the suddenly-taken resolution of the Government. I shall have a house and grounds upon my hands for some time; and tho expenses attending my re-establishment in any new district which may be ultimately assigned to me will, so far as I can judge, be not far from equivalent to those attending a direct removal from Nelson to that district. I I have, &c, C. W. Eichmond. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary (Judicial Branch).

No. 8. The Hon. the Colonial Seceetart to His Honor Mr. Justice Geesson. (No. 624.) Sib, — Coloni.al Secretary's Office, Wellington, 28th December, 1874. In compliance with what is understood to be the wish of the Legislature, as expressed in tho Eeport of the Joint Committee of both Houses in the Ward-Chapman Inquiry, arrangements are being made for the shifting of Supreme and District Court Judges to different circuits. It is proposed to assign the Judicial District of Nelson to your Honor, Mr. Justice Johnston taking the Canterbury District, and Mr. Justice Eichmond that of Otago ; and that all these changes shall, if practicable, be effected before the 10th of March proximo. As Mr. Justice Eichmond has applied for leave of absence, and desires to be relieved from duty by the end of the month of January next, I have to ask your Honor to be good enough to inform me whether you can conveniently remove to Nelson about that time. It is proposed to allow the sum of £375 to cover the cost of removal. I have, &c, His Honor Mr. Justice Gresson, Christchurch. Daniel Pollen,

No. 9. The Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey to His Honor Mr. Justice Eiciimond. (No. G77.) Sib, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 2nd January, 1875. I have received your Honor's letter of date 2Gth December ultimo, and, on behalf of the Government, have now to espress the regret with which the announcement that the state of your health is such as to render it inexpedient tint you should return to Dunedin was received. His Excellency the Governor will be advised to grant the leave of absence for eighteen months, on half-salary, which your Honor desires. With respect to your request that if on any ground it were hereafter thought desirable that an additional Judge of the Supreme Court should reside at Wellington you would have the option of taking that position, I can only say that if the occasion which your Honor contemplates should arise during the term of their administration, this Government will be most willing to give you that option. I have, &c., His Honor Mr. Justice Eichmond, Nelson. Daniel Pollen.

No. 10. His Honor Chief Justice Sir G. A. Aenet to the Hon. the Colonial Secbetabt. Sib, — Auckland, 31st December, 1874. If I recollect rightly that which passed at our last interview at "Wellington, you desired to hear from mo further before the Government would resolve finally upon the redistribution of the business of the Supreme Court. At all events, I have the honor to inform you that, if I should continue to hold my present office after March nest, I shall be prepared to remove to "Wellington in good time to conveniently be prepared for, and to hold, the sitting of the Circuit Court which will, in ordinary course, be held at Wellington in the first week in April next. I have, &c, Geoege Alfeed Aenet, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, Chief Justice.

■ No. 11. The Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey to His Honor Sir G. A. Aenet, Chief Justice. Sic, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, (ith Januarj-, 1875. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Honor's letter of the 31st ultimo, informing me that should you continue to hold your present office after March nest, you will be prepared to