John Gordon Swift MacNeill

“ Although he received no salary, he was as unremitting in his judicial duties as any other member of that tribunal. He also went on several occasions on circuit as a commissioner of assize, with great satisfaction to the bar and the public. ”

“ Walker pursued with distinction his practice at the Irish bar, and took a prominent part in the meetings of the liberal party held in Dublin. He was defeated in his candidature for South Londonderry in July 1892. On the formation of Gladstone's fourth administration in August 1892, Walker was appointed to the lord chancellorship of Ireland. At a complimentary dinner of the members of his old circuit, Walker was designated by Mr. Justice Gibson as the greatest lawyer of the Irish bar. He fully sustained on the bench his reputation as a lawyer. ”

“ The administration of the Irish Land Act of 1870 was entrusted to county court judges, and Hemphill strenuously endeavoured to carry out the intention of the legislature by securing for tenants capriciously evicted from their holdings compensation for improvements made by themselves. ”