JOHNSTON, ALEXANDER JAMES (1820-88) was the eldest son of James Johnston, banker, of Wood Hill, Kinnelar, Aberdeenshire. He was educated at Marischal College, and later at King's College, London, and in Paris. He graduated M.A. at Aberdeen in 1835 and then, being too young to be called, he spent two years in France, Italy and Russia, and in 1838 entered at Lincoln's Inn to read for the bar. In 1841 he was admitted as a special pleader. While still reading he published, in 1842, a short treatise on exchequer bills. Called to the bar by the Middle Temple in Jan 1843, Johnston practised till 1858 on the Northern Circuit and at the West Riding sessions. In 1857 he was deputy recorder of Leeds. He also practised in Westminster Hall and before parliamentary committees. From 1847 to 1858, with the Hon G. Denman and J. P. Bulwer, he contributed to the Law Journal the reports of the Court of Common Pleas, and he collaborated with Mr Justice Chitty in works on law.

In 1858, pursuant to a resolution of both Houses of the New Zealand Legislature, Johnston was selected as a puisne judge of the Supreme Court. Her Majesty's warrant was issued for the post in Apr, and he arrived in New Zealand in Oct. For the next 17 years he lived in Wellington, and in 1875 removed to Christchurch, where he presided for the remainder of his life. In 1867 and in 1884 Johnston was acting-Chief Justice, and several times acting-Governor. He published Notes on Maori Matters (1860), observations respecting the law upon riots and the defence of person and property by private persons; three volumes of the reports of the Court of Appeal (1867-77); three editions of the New Zealand Justice of the Peace and Coroner (1863, 1870 and 1879) and The Practice of the Supreme Court. He was a member of several royal commissions, including that on statute law consolidation (1879). In 1861 Johnston was deputed to consider the claims of the Ngati-Awa to lands in Taranaki. He presided at the trial of most of the native prisoners during the Te Kooti and Titokowaru risings and of the Maungatapu murderers. As a criminal lawyer he showed great acumen. On the bench he upheld in a determined manner the high traditions and lofty tone of British justice. A man of great culture and high attainments, he had a dry humour, was socially popular and interested in social movements, and was a lover of music in all forms, and of art. (In 1861 he lectured on "The Influence of Art on Human Happiness.") At the time of his death he was chairman of the committee which established the home for the aged needy in Christchurch. His wife (Amelia Devonport Yallop), who died in 1885, was also closely associated with all philanthropic objects. Johnston died on 3 Jun 1888, while visiting England.

E. Maxwell; N.Z. Times, 4 June 1888; Portrait: General Assembly Library.

Reference: Volume 1, page 236

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