H.^-24)

1890. NEW ZEALAND.

APPOINTMENT OF MR. EDWARDS (CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO THE).

Return to an Order of the House of Representatives, dated H.jth June, 1890. Ordered, " That there be laid before this House copies of all correspondence and papers relating to the appointment of Mr. Edwards as Commissioner under the Native Land Court Act and as Judge of the Supreme Court."— (Dr. Fitciiett.)

No. 1. The Hon. the Premier to W. B. Edwards, Esq. Sir, — Wellington, Ist March, 1890. In reference to the conversation I had with you on the subject of the appointment of a Commissioner under section 20 of "The Native Land Court Acts Amendment Act, 1889," I have now the honour to inform you that His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to approve of your appointment to that office. It has appeared to the Government, and such appears to be the general feeling, that, for an office of such importance, involving such large interests, the Commissioner should have the status of a Judge of the Supreme Court, and therefore you will be appointed to that office also. As you are aware, the demands on the time of the present Judges of the Supreme Court cause inconvenient but unavoidable delay in the despatch of business, and the leave of absence granted to Mr. Justice Richmond will aggravate the evil unless some provision is now made to meet it. The Government is averse to the appointment of a temporary Judge, if it can be avoided, and they hope that the arrangement by which you will afford occasional assistance in the Supreme Court work will temporarily meet the requirements. Your salary will be £1,500 per annum, the same as the present Puisne Judges. Your commissions to the above offices will be at once forwarded to you. I have, etc., W. B. Edwards, Esq., Wellington. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 2. W. B. Edwards, Esq., to the Hon. the Premier. Sir,— Wellington, sth March, 1890. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the Ist March, and to say that I accept the appointments therein named upon the terms therein mentioned. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. W. B. Edwards.

No. 3. The Hon. W. R. Russell to His Honour Mr. Justice Edwards. Sir,— Wellington, 6th March, 1890. I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying commission under the hand of His Excellency the Governor and the seal of the colony appointing you to be a Judge of the Supreme Court of New Zealand. I also enclose a commission assigning you to hold the office of a Judge in bankruptcy. It will be necessary for you to take the customary oaths before his Honour the Chief Justice, who has been authorised to administer them to you. I have, &c, His Honour Mr. Justice Edwards, Wellington. W. R. Russell.