* The Wellington Times comment- I irq on Mr Martin's downfall says : ] —When the rumour first gained / ground it was regarded as a fabri ' e-.tion, and it was only when the I circumstances were related that ihe assertions respecting Mr Martin's conduct became acceptable as true, His many friends in this city and throughout New Zealand will be shocked by the news, and the whole colony will be scanda lised as it has never been before. It seems utterly incredible. Here was a man admired and respected by thousands, honoured in public life, and esteemed in his private relations, a man of mature judg ment and the father of a family, a man who had by industry and merit risen to one of the most

honourable and envied positions in

the State who, in a weak moment, cast to the four winds of heagaff the cherished ambitions of a life time, and all that sane men hold dearest and most sacred. Such conduct in a man of Mr Martin's. training and culture is utterly un accountable. His career was one series of successess. He had wealth [and position. His youth ful, aspirations and .the am bitions of his early manhood had all been attained. Yet, under the impulse of, some strange hal lucination, Mr Martin commits what may well be termed social and moral suicide. Some may endeavour to find an explanation for his conduct in affirming that too much success had turned his head. It may now be asserted that the elevation of a~ middle-aged man to the Supreme Court Bench was a mistake ; and

some may go the length of saying he lacked that- steadiness and judgment which only cunc to men with years and experience. Some of his decisions may •■ have been open to criticism", bnt-lo say that they displayed, any weakness that may account -for ths occurrence which is announced is altogether too ridiculous. His appointment as a Judge - was ;;pplauded on all sides, and whatever the moral obliquy with which

he has now covered himself in ono

act, it does not affect his legal acumen and judicial deliverances. Previously no one could have pointed, the finger of scorn to Mi- Martin as being guilty of any rnij behaviour, socially or "SaQrally. From his boyhood his l:fu had do^m*. 