My Mother — Page 84
84 Governor-General. I told his Private Secretary over the telephone that as I had nothing to submit to or discuss with His Excellency, I did not intend to come up. He told me that His Excellency wished to speak to me. When I arrived, he mentioned to me the differ- ence that had arisen between him and the Chief Justice over the appointment to the Federal Bench and added: ‘Finally, we have agreed to leave the choice to you. If, as I hope, you wish to remain with me, the Chief Justice must look elsewhere for a colleague. Should you wish to go to the Court, I must reconcile myself to the loss. Reflect over the matter, and let me know your wishes when you come to see me next week. ’ ‘Sir, I do not need a week for reflection. I can tell you now. ’ ‘Ah, I am so happy. You do not wish to go!’ ‘No, Sir, I would rather go. ’ ‘I am very disappointed. But I have given my word to the Chief Justice and I must keep it. But would you take me into your confidence. You have still nearly four years of your second term on the Council. Under your advice substantial advances on the execu tive side have been decided upon. At your age you can look forward to anything you may desire under the new conditions. Can you tell me why do you wish to go and bury yourself in the backwater of the Court?’ ‘Perhaps it is a matter of temperament. I feel more at home with law than with administration. ’ ‘As you wish. But I hope you will not be in a hurry to leave. ’ ‘The Court is in vacation, and will reconvene in the begin- ning of October. I shall be glad to carry on here till the end of September. ’ ‘That is some comfort. ’