experience since joining the Service in Uganda in 1957 appears to have been entirely judicial and he has of course 'been on the Supreme Court Bench in Hong Kong for seven years.
If selected he would have ten years as the Chief Justice which in this respect puts him in much the same class as Roberts. I don't attempt any judgment as to the "public image" he would give as Chief Justice.
12. In setting out these considerations I have not intended
(and hope I have not given the impression that I have tried) to strike a balance, but to give you some idea of the points that will be looked at when your recommendations are received here. I won't in any event be here myself to take part in considering them but I have shown Vincent Evans, who will be involved, this letter.
13.
There are two subsidiary points, (1) from some points of view Blair-Kerr was unlucky to miss the Chief Justiceship: at the time he was passed over, David said he had it in mind to recommend him for appointment to a new post of Justice of Appeal; subsequently he said that it had been decided not to proceed with the creation of the post for the time being. Rigby was knighted in 1964 when serving in the post of Senior Puisne Judge which Blair-Kerr now holds. Would you consider recommending him for a knighthood before he retires? (2) 1 notice that the Governor does not appear to comment on Judges' annual reports, other than that of the Chief Justice where there is no-one else to comment though the practice doesn't seem to be consistent. We were wondering if there is a Hong Kong "convention" to this effect. It is probably a matter of no great importance since we always get the Governor's views where any question of promotion is concerned.
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(L Monson)
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