The Edwards’ Case.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume IV, Issue 613, 28 May 1891, Page 2

The Edwards’ Case.

(BFBCUI. TO TUB STANDARD.) Weddington, last night. In the Appeal Court judgment in the Edwards’ case was delivered to-day. The Chief Justice considered there was no authority in law for the appointment, and it ought therefore to be cancelled. After delivering his own judgment the Chief Justice said that although he was in favor of the Crown, the majority of Judges were in favor of the defendant. Justices Richmond, Williams, and Denniston, delivered their judgments in facor of Mr Edwards. Justice Connolly’s judgment was in favor of the Crown. The judgment of the Court was entered up for defendant, with costs. The question of appeal to the Privy Council was mentioned by Mr Gully, but was left over for the present, he undertaking to consult legal advisers of the Crown on the subject. Chief Justice Prendergast said that although Mr Edwards was appointed a Native Land Commissioner, with powers of a Supreme Court Judge, the intentions of the Legislature evidently lay towards the former, it being understood that he should do temporary service on the Supreme Court Bench during the absence of Jnstice Richmond. He held there was no authority in law for making the appointment, and it should therefore be cancelled. Mr Justice Rich mond held that the informant's objection to the validity of the patent was not well founded, and judgment must be for defendant. Justice Williams held that the provisions of the Act of settlement as to fixing and ascertaining salaries of Judges, were not in force as law in the Colony.