THE LATE MR W. H. BARNICOAT.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12393, 14 December 1909, Page 5

THE LATE MR W. H. BARNICOAT.

tribute by bench and bar.

A\ hen the Supreme Court resumed yesterday, the members of the local Bar attended in full numbers to pay respect to the memory hi the late Mr \v. H. Barnieoat.

'His Honour, Mr Ju-tice Chapman; inthe course of his remarks, said his attention, in -common with that of all the-residen-cs in this town, had been called to the lamented death of Mr Barnicoat. It had proved a great distress to him because only the day; before Mr Barnieoat's illness commenced,, he appeared before his Honour, and seemed then to bo in his usual health. There could be no doubt that Mr Barnicoat's position in this community was such that no man of uhe present or past time was ever held in greater esteem, and deservedly so. .He held up to his fellowmen the highest standard of integrity,, and to his own profession he was ~a notaole example not only in Wanganui,, but in New Zealand, as a man of ability and of great industry and integrity. It was impossible to sit and listen to Mr Barnicoat's arguments without recognising the equipment of a first-class, lewyer. Not only so, but he never failed to do justice to a case- that required » industry and patient investigation. Of Mr Barnicoat's personal qualities, ther members of the Bar present knew, well how he was appreciated in the community. His unfailing .amiability, courtesy and intogiity were well known. His Honour's personal experience of Mr Barnicoat had not extended over many years, but during the last six' years liehad seen a good deal of him, and formed the highest opinion of his qualities•: and abilfcies'. No doubt all present sympathised deeply with his family, and those in intimacy with it."

Mr Gilford Marshall said that on behalt' of the Wanganui Bar they cordially endorsed the kuid utterances that hacL fallon from his Honoui". Standing:" round tins table he noticed many old and intimate friends of the late Mr Barnieoat, bub "none know him more closely than he (Mr Marshall), for lie had, during the last thirty years, had ilia privilege of a close and uninterrupted friends-hip, which necessarily meant that he felt his loss very deeply. Afterinferring to Mr Barnieoat's career in "Wanganui, Mr Marshall said the deceased gentleman imparted great zeal and industry in the interests of his clients, and set an example which might well be followed by the 1 younger members of the profession.Clean living, fair minded^ and impartial and avoiding anything approach— [ ing meanness, lie continued to keepin the front of' the profession. His-, aid and advice were always cheerfully and . ungrudgingly given, aud^ it was.felt that the advice might be thoroughly relied upon, and was so far as~possible based on fairness and justiceto all concerned. His untiring energy - was most remarkable, and whilst otherswould on occasions avoid work to follow more congenial occupations, Mr Barnicoat was prepared to, and did, devote the whole of his time and energies to the profession Avhich he lovedThe only consolation- was that the deceased did not suffer a long illness, and practically died in harness. In concluding, Mr Marshall said: "Our oniy satisfaction is that he did not suffer from a prolonged illness, and that heliterally died in harness. In conclusion r we feel that his good work will contimie to live after him, and that he did much to preserve intact the high traditions of our v profession, and I vrouldT strongly urge all those who com,e afteihim to attempt to follow in the footsteps of one who, by his gentle anctr sympathetic disposition, endeared himself to all. I have to thank your Honour for your expressions of kindness, and for the opportunity accorded to the members of the Bar of expressing their profoundest respect and admiration forth c late Mr Riirir>nn.{. "

Mr C.E. Mackay (Mayor) said: "Oit behalf of the honorary magistrates of" tae town, I desire to say that Mr Barnicoat's death is to be publicly deplored. On behalf of the borough, I can only say that his knowledge of law was of signal assistance on many occasions and saved us from many pitfalls. I was personally brought ini^ the closest" contact with- Mr Barnicoar for three years, during which time I was his managing clerk, and no one could" desire a juster or more indulgent master."

The funeral of the deceased gentleman takes place this afternoon.