"This is to certify that I consider it absolutely necessary that J. A. Wilson, Esq., should have a complete rest from the mental anxiety and worry which his duties as Judge, &c., entail. A period of from two to three months will be required by him to recover from the effects of recent overwork.

No 233.

I have the honour to forward the enclosed certificate by Dr. Haines, of Auckland. In October last I was ordered by Dr Ginders, of Tauranga, to leave here for a time and take rest. I did cot do so because there was much work to be done, and I desired to advance the public business.

"My malady is in the brain, and is entirely due to overwork and worry while engaged in official duty.

"I would request you to be good enough to grant me three months' leave, if necessary, upon terms such as have been accorded to other Judges similarly situated.

"Re my letter of 6th inst. to Hon. Native Minister enclosing medical certificate, kindly obtain early reply to application therein.

"On the 6th ultimo I applied to you for leave of absence, enclosing medical certificate for reasons named therein. I had been obliged for more than twelve months to hold most difficult Land Courts and perform all other duties without a single assistant. The official action of the Chief Judge from time to time had, moreover, rendered certain of my duties embarrassing. Receiving no reply to the above application, I wired to the Under-Secretary three weeks after, soliciting an immediate answer. My application was made as I apprehend a Judge, Chief Judge, or Chief Justice of the Supreme Court or Native Land Court should apply to Government in the absence of a Court ruler re such case.

"Having never received an answer direct or indirect to the said application, I now telegraph to you herewith a second medical certificate by Dr. Haines, who I came here to consult. Much bodily injury has been inflicted on me in keeping me in such condition in suspense at my post seven weeks surrounded by my duties.

"I respectfully request you to be good enough to telegraph a reply without delay to this application for at least three months' sick leave, addressing same to me at Tauranga.

"I consider it absolutely necessary that Judge "Wilson should have immediate leave of absence. He is quite unfit, through ill health, to perform his duties. I would recommend at least three months' rest.

"This is to certify that I have treated you for 'nervous exhaustion' arising from overwork, and I am of opinion that you should not submit yourself to be taxed as you have formerly been.

No. 1392.

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th ult., in which you apply for three months' leave of absence on account of the state of your health, and, in reply, am directed by the Hon. Native Minister to inform you that your application has been granted.