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remove to Wellington in good time to hold the sitting of the Circuit Court, which will be held at Wellington in the first week of April next; and to thiink you for your communication. I have, &c, His Honor Sir G. A. Arney, Chief Justice, Auckland. Daniel Pollen,

No. 12. His Honor Mr. Justice Geesson to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. Sic, — Judge's Chambers, Christchurch, llth January, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 624, 2Sth December, 1874, informing me that, in compliance with what is understood to be tho wish of the Legislature, as expressed in the 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, and that it is proposed to assign the Judicial District of Nelson to me, Mr. Justice Johnston taking the Canterbury District, and Mr. Justice Eichmond that of Otago; and that all these changes shall, if practicable, bo effected before the 10th March next; and as Mr. Justice Eichmond has applied for leave of absence, and desires to be relieved from duty by the end of this month, asking me whether I could conveniently remove to Nelson by that time. In reply, I regret that I cannot accept the Judicial District of Nelson, and I shall be prepared to resign my office on the 10th March next. Shortly after my appointment to the judicial office, upon the passing of " The Supreme Court Judges Act, 1858," by which the Judges of the Supreme Court were made to hold office during good conduct instead of during pleasure as theretofore, at the instance of the then Attorney-General, Mr. Whitaker, I resigned my commission in order that I might receive a commission to hold office during good conduct. I need scarcely remind you that since the change so made in the tenure of office of the Judges, the Legislature, by a further enactment, has manifested its determination to place them as nearly as possible in the same position of independence as the English Judges, making them removable only by Her Majesty upon the address of both Houses of the Legislature. I venture to think, therefore, that if the wish of the Legislature, to which you refer, has been rightly interpreted, its present action is not only of a retrograde character, placing the Judges of the Supreme Court as it does at the mercy of the Minister for the time being, but is at variance with the legislation of the colony for the last sixteen years. I cannot help thinking, also, that the time for such a change is particularly inopportune, when, from the circumstance of a charge of partiality having been recently made against one of the Judges, the proposed change will naturally be attributed by the public to the result of the inquiry, and thus a foul and most unjust imputation be made to attach to the Judges. As, under other circumstances, I should probably have retained my office a few years longer, it having been my desire to continue my work as long as I could discharge my duties efficiently, I regret being compelled to tender my resignation, but I have no alternative. I have, &c., The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. H. B. Geesson.

No. 13. The Hon. Dr. Pollen to Mr. T. B. Gillies. Sic, — General Government Offices, Auckland, Ist February, 1875. Mr. Justice Gresson having given notice of his intention to retire from the Bench at an early period, I do myself the honor, on behalf of the Colonial Government, to offer you an appointment as Puisne Judge. Arrangements are being made for shifting the Supreme Court Judges to different circuits, and it is probable that your services may temporarily be required either in the Judicial District of Nelson or that of Otago ; but it is understood that His Excellency the Governor will be advised to assign to you the Judicial District of Auckland. I have, &c, T. B. Gillies, Esq., Auckland. D. Pollen.

mHWtmmHKAWHw^mi^wwAmHMwmmmtswwmmti No. 14. His Honor Mr. Justice Gillies to the Hon. Dr. Pollen, Colonial Secretary. Sic, — Auckland, 2nd February, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of yours of yesterday, offering me, on behalf of the Colonial Government, an appointment as one of the Puisne Judges" of the Supreme Court of the colony, and informing me that, whilst I may temporarily be required to perform the duties ofthe office in Nelson or Otago, His Excellency will be advised to assign to me the Judicial District of Auckland. In expressing my acceptance of the offer thus made, permit me to thank the Colonieal Government for this mark of their confidence in me, which confidence I .shall endeavour to justify. I shall be glad to be informed, at your earliest convenience, as to the date when and the locality where I will be required to enter upon tho performance of my duties. Tou will also oblige me by informing me whether the secretaries to the Judges are appointed by the Government or by the respective Judges themselves. I have, Ac, The Hon. Dr. Pollen, Colonial Secretary. Thomas B. Gillies.