your retirement from the Bench, of an address expressive of their high opinion of your merits as a Judge of the Supreme Court, in which you presided for a great many years with distinguished credit to yourself, benefit to the province, and honor to the profession.

It will afford you gratification to be informed that this testimonial of respect has been signed by every member of the profession in Halifax, without a solitary exception, and that several gentlemen who are absent on the circuits have made use of the telegraph to request that their names might be added to the address, which has been attended to.

I now beg permission to read this address which has been dictated by a steady regard to the truth, and is entirely free from every taint of flattery or exaggeration.

To the Honorable William B. Bliss, etc.

We, the Attorney General, Queen’s Counsel, and other members of the legal Profession, resident in the city of Halifax, would have taken an earlier opportunity of addressing you had there been any official announcement of your retirement from the Bench of the Supreme Court, where you presided for upwards of thirty-four years, with the most exemplary judicial integrity.

Your resignation is viewed by the profession and all who are capable of forming a just estimate of your eminent qualifications for the administration of justice, as a serious public misfortune.

We have great pleasure in testifying that you invariably discharged the duties of a Judge with enlightened ability, and untiring industry, and, while your conduct on the bench was always characterized by the strictest impartiality, as regards the suitors in court, your bearing towards the members of the bar was distinguished for dignity and courtesy, and you deservedly enjoyed the confidence, respect and esteem of the Profession.