SALMOND, SIR JOHN WILLIAM (1862-1924) was born at North Shields, the son of William Salmond (q.v.), with whom he came to New Zealand in 1876. He completed his schooling at the Otago Boys' High School (1876-7) and proceeded to Otago University, where he graduated (B.A., 1882; M.A., 1883; junior scholar). He then studied law at University College, London, where he graduated LL.B. and LL.D. and was Gilchrist scholar.

Admitted a barrister of the Supreme Court of New Zealand, he practised in Temuka for about 10 years and was then appointed professor of law at Adelaide University. During his occupancy of this post (1897-1906) Salmond made a reputation as a jurist. In 1901 he published Essays in Jurisprudence and Legal History, and in the following year a textbook on Jurisprudence which became one of the classical works on the subject (9th ed. 1937). He was appointed to the chair of law at Victoria College, Wellington, in 1906. In the following year appeared his book on Torts, which was speedily recognised as a work of high authority (8th ed. 1934). His knowledge of law was profound. The same close scrutiny and lucid expression which made his legal textbooks standard works placed him in the front rank also of authorities on constitutional and international law. He was appointed in 1907 counsel to the law drafting office, and three years later became Solicitor-general. In this capacity he cooperated with Sir Francis Bell in devising the intricate and novel legislation and regulations called for by the needs of the war of 1914-18. Bell entertained a high opinion of his ability and standing in the legal world and deferred to him in many instances of difficulty. In 1920 Salmond was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court, and in the following year he represented New Zealand at the disarmament conference at Washington. There his authority amongst lawyers of international standing was at once recognised, and he was awarded the Ames medal of Harvard University. He was knighted in 1918. Salmond married Anne Bryham, daughter of James Guthrie, of Newcastle-on-Tyne. He died on 19 Sep 1924. A volume on Contracts appeared posthumously in 1927.

W. D. Stewart; Otago B.H's. List; Otago Univ. Calendar; Who's Who N.Z., 1908, 1924; Evening Post, Otago Daily Times, The Dominion, 20 Sep 1924 (pp); The Spike, June 1906 (p), Sep 1924; Law Quarterly Review, vol. xl (1924).

Reference: Volume 2, page 139

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